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South Lone Tree Road
Planning & Environmental Linkages Study

The purpose of this Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study is to provide direction to the City of Flagstaff, MetroPlan, and member agencies about potential environmental impacts and mitigations to allow for timely development of the future roadway expansion along South Lone Tree Road.

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This is a pre-planning environmental review study that will produce a final Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Statement and Checklist.

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The PEL does not provide roadway design(s), however, it will identify and establish the largest potential footprint which will inform the future design of this section of roadway. As a first step in the transportation planning process, the environmental constraints will be considered in the future planning and design phases, which will be led by the City of Flagstaff.

Why is MetroPlan Conducting a PEL?
 

The City of Flagstaff intends to seek federal funds for roadway improvements along this section of Lone Tree Road. A PEL provides evidence of project preparation which is a competitive advantage in this situation.

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There are several significant projects planned along and near Lone Tree Road. These include:

  • Lone Tree Overpass

  • Lone Tree Road Widening (Butler to Pine Knoll Dr.)

  • J.W. Powell Road Extension

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The southern section of Lone Tree Road is integral to the above projects, but also future development and growth along Lone Tree Road and J.W. Powell Blvd.  Future planned communities will build housing, commercial space, and parklands east of Lone Tree Road.

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The PEL will evaluate the maximum width of the roadway for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians and identify potential environmental impacts to avoid or mitigate in the final design. Applying the PEL and previous plans, studies, and current policies, the City will design a roadway that functions for all road users.

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What is a Planning & Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study?

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A PEL study is a high-level, early-planning study process that represents an approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the planning stage and carries them through project development, design, and construction. The goal of PEL studies is to gather feedback and data to inform the environmental review process, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

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Study Area

What is the purpose of a PEL?
  • Identifies transportation issues

  • Identifies environmental constraints and issues

  • Builds collaborative relationships with resource agencies

  • Develops the need and purpose for proposed improvements

  • Streamlines the overall project development process and minimizes duplication

  • Promotes efficient and cost-effective solutions and environmental stewardship

  • Reduces delays in delivering projects

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Who's Involved?

Partners

MetroPlan works with its partner agencies on all plans, projects, and policies. Partner agencies include the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Mountain Line, and Northern Arizona University (NAU).  â€‹EnviroSystems Management, Inc. has been selected as the environmental consultant for this project.
 

Agency Coordination

Early consultation with environmental resource and regulatory agencies enables the integration of those agencies’ goals into the transportation planning process. Additionally, these environmental agencies may be able to offer useful analysis and resources to the transportation planning process that might otherwise be omitted or left unconsidered.

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Project Documents 
Previous & Current Planning documents for this area: 
Have questions or comments?

Please contact Mandia Gonzales, Transportation Planner, at 928-266-1293 or mandia.gonzales@metroplanflg.org​

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