What is included in the McCoys Creek Restoration Project?
- Creek restoration (flood mitigation)
- Removal of McCoys Creek Boulevard
- Construction of cul-de-sacs and additional roadwork
- Elevation and replacement of King and Stockton Street bridges
- Trail construction (Emerald Trail)
How will this project benefit the areas adjacent to McCoys Creek?
In addition to flood mitigation, the McCoys Creek Restoration will include:
- Trees and native plants
- Landscaping, lighting and benches
- Picturesque green spaces
- Neighborhood sidewalks and trails
- Connections to the Emerald Trail
- Open views and access to McCoys Creek
How will this project impact traffic?
When McCoys Creek Boulevard is removed, Edison Avenue, Stockton, King and Forest streets will become the main travel routes to and from the community.
McCoys Creek Boulevard will remain open from Cherokee Street to Fitzgerald Street, providing access to McDuff Avenue, and from Claude to Goodwin streets to provide access under the railroad crossing.
Traffic studies show that the alternate routes will create no more than a 20 percent increase in traffic —below the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) capacity guidelines — and will have minimal impact on emergency response time. Residents should also see fewer commercial vehicles traveling through the neighborhood.
Is McCoys Creek Boulevard going to be removed permanently?
Yes.
Why is McCoys Creek Boulevard being removed?
McCoys Creek Boulevard is a low-lying road that is located squarely in the floodplain of McCoys Creek. Minimal rain causes the creek to overflow and routinely floods the road and into nearby neighborhoods.
How will the restoration project fix the flooding?
In the past, McCoys Creek was forced into an artificial straight line – a channel - and critical flood plains were destroyed. The stream restoration project will restore natural channel design – a meander - to McCoys Creek, expand the flood plain and provide more room for water runoff. In addition, the project will deepen the creek and add natural water containment features, such as lagoons and tidal pools.
What will happen to the roads that currently connect with McCoys Creek Boulevard?
Six roads will be impacted by the removal of McCoys Creek Boulevard. Of those six, five will become cul-de-sacs with landscaping, lighting and sidewalks that connect to the Emerald Trail. Those new cul-de-sacs will be on Sunshine, Leland, Crystal, Smith and Broward streets. The intersection of Nixon St. and McCoys Creek Boulevard will be reconstructed to maintain access to several properties east of Nixon Street.
What will the cul-de-sacs look like?
Cul-de-sacs with new trees, landscaping, lighting, connecting trails and sidewalks will be constructed at the end of five roads that currently intersect with McCoys Creek Boulevard. The cul-de-sacs are designed so emergency responders (police and fire), sanitation trucks and maintenance vehicles have convenient access to nearby properties.
Will I still have access to my home or business?
The project has been planned to ensure residents and businesses have access to their property both during and after construction. There are a few properties that will be permanently impacted by the closure of McCoys Creek Boulevard. The City is working with each of these property owners to develop practical solutions.
Source: https://www.coj.net/mccoyscreekfaq