History

The need for improvements to the US 90 (Mahan Drive) was identified in a Preliminary Engineering Study prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and approved in August 1989. This report identified the need to improve Mahan Drive from its current two lanes to four lanes between Dempsey Mayo Road and I-10 a distance of 3.8 miles. The primary reasons for this increase in lanes were due to the need for increased traffic capacity and improved safety along the corridor.

An additional Mahan Road Corridor Study was completed by the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department in 2004. This study recommended additional improvements along the same corridor including increased pedestrian facilities and improved landscaping.

Design

Roadway design and construction drawing preparation began in 1995. The original plans were designed in Metric Units in compliance with FDOT standards at the time. Later the FDOT Standards changed and the plans were redesigned using standard English Units. At the time of this first design effort construction funding for the project was not programmed in FDOT’s Work Program.

The widened roadway was designed as a four-lane urban roadway with curb and gutter, a 22’ median, bike lanes, a 5’ straight sidewalk on the north side of the road, a meandering 5’ to 10’ sidewalk on the south side of the roadway and significant landscape improvements and plantings. During design special attention was paid to the preservation of significant trees, minimizing all impacts to the environment and controlling access to increase safety. All of the roadway improvements were designed within the existing roadway right-of-way.

Construction

With cooperative funding agreements between State and local agencies, construction funding became available for the project in late 2008. The project was awarded to the local contractor, Sandco, in early 2009. Notice to Proceed for the project was given on May 1, 2009. The project is anticipated to last for approximately four years.