Volusia County, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is conducting a Project Development and Environment or "PD&E" Study to evaluate the rehabilitation or replacement of the existing Veterans Memorial (Orange Avenue) Bridge in Daytona Beach. The existing bridge is more than 50 years old and has deteriorated. Major rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge is needed to keep the bridge open and operating efficiently.

The study began in September 2009 and is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2011. The objective of this study is to determine the best alternative for improvements to the existing two-lane bridge. Rehabilitation as well as replacement will be considered. The following alternatives will be evaluated during the study:

• No Build
• No Build with Removal of the Existing Bridge
• Rehabilitation of the Existing Bridge
• Replacement with a New Movable Bridge
• Replacement with a New High-Level Fixed Bridge

All bridge replacement alternatives considered will be constructed in approximately the same location as the existing bridge. The "No-Build" alternative includes only routine maintenance to keep the bridge open to traffic until safety issues would require it to be closed. Evaluation of future improvements would occur at a later date. The "No Build with Removal of the Existing Bridge" would result in routine maintenance in the near future with the intent to demolish the bridge when it is no longer safe for traffic, with no plans to replace it with a new one. The selected alternative must meet the transportation needs of the community - but all reasonable measures must be taken to minimize impacts to the social, cultural, physical and natural environment.

Input from the community and other stakeholders is an important factor in selection of a suitable alternative. The study will provide many opportunities for your input and involvement. For more information about the study process, visit the "PD&E" page on this site.