Capital Circle Southeast Environmental Features

Several design elements on Capital Circle Southeast surpass those of virtually all other roadways constructed in the metropolitan area. From safety to alternative transportation modes, the project includes features that make the drive pleasant and have reduced the roadway’s impact on the environment.

For most of its length, the six-lane roadway is constructed within a 230-foot right-of-way. This wide right-of-way allowed for a 36-foot landscaped median and considerable plantings on the edges of the roadway. The landscaping complements Tallahassee’s lush greenery and seasonal colors and will enhance the view for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. A $300,000 grant from the Florida Highway Beautification Council provided funding for the native wildflowers located at several locations along the corridor.

The 3.4 mile roadway segment includes four-foot wide bicycle lanes in both directions. Additionally, a ten-foot wide meandering sidewalk on the east side and a five-foot sidewalk on the west side assure that those preferring to walk, bike or jog will have a safe trip. These features complement the network of sidewalks and trails located in the adjacent SouthWood planned community and State Office Complex.

With the corridor project currently under way, extending the widening to Woodville Highway, the meandering sidewalk will connect with the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Trail.

The project was constructed through the “design-build” project delivery method and included considerable coordination with the St. Joe Company, the developer of SouthWood. Blueprint 2000 and St. Joe worked to implement a coordinated stormwater system. By agreement, stormwater from the roadway is handled and treated in the SouthWood ponds. The ponds have been designed as an amenity; side slopes are gradual thus not requiring fencing, and some ponds will be developed with walking trails and seating areas providing an area to relax and view wildlife for area residents and employees. This public-private partnership saved money and reduced the amount of land required for stormwater management facilities.

Unlike most other arterial roadways in the area, stringent access controls have been placed on this segment of Capital Circle Southeast. Intersections, median openings, and access driveways are limited, which will maintain the facility’s transportation efficiency and safety well into the future.

The wide right-of-way has the potential to incorporate transit in the future when development densities, adjacent land uses, and traffic volumes warrant.