Florida-based England-Thims & Miller, Inc. (ETM) has been honored with the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) Partnering Award for their work on the SR 50 widening and reconstruction project in Sumter County. This recognition underscores the exceptional collaboration, innovation, and community impact achieved throughout the project’s duration.
Project Overview
The SR 50 project, spanning from the Hernando/Sumter County Line to East of CR 478A, was aimed at improving transportation infrastructure in a rural part of Florida. The project’s scope involved widening the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane configuration with a grass median. This enhancement was crucial in increasing the road’s capacity and improving traffic flow, addressing a growing need for better infrastructure in the region.
Key features of the project included:
- Roadway Expansion: Construction of dual 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction, significantly enhancing vehicle space and overall road safety.
- Shoulder Enhancements: Addition of 5-foot-wide paved shoulders alongside each travel lane, providing safer options for emergency stops and improving roadway infrastructure.
- Bridge Construction: Development of a new two-lane bridge adjacent to the existing structure over the Little Withlacoochee River. This bridge was designed to accommodate increased traffic while preserving the surrounding environment.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure: Creation of a 12-foot-wide shared-use path along the south side of SR 50, fostering greater accessibility and encouraging alternative forms of transportation.
Partnership and Collaboration
The success of the SR 50 project was largely attributed to the strong partnership and collaboration among all parties involved. ETM worked closely with Ranger Construction Industries Inc., Kisinger Campo & Associates Corp., and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure the project was completed without significant delays or expenditures.
One of the standout aspects of this project was the seamless integration of efforts among various stakeholders, including the Southwest Florida Water Management District and key utility providers like AT&T, SECO, and CenturyLink. This collaborative effort was pivotal in managing potential conflicts and ensuring that all environmental and utility-related challenges were resolved without disrupting the project flow.
The FDOT partnering survey score for the project was an impressive average of 4.52, reflecting the high level of cooperation and professionalism demonstrated throughout the project’s execution.
Community Impact
The comprehensive design and construction of the SR 50 project not only catered to the immediate transportation needs of the local community but also laid the groundwork for future development in Sumter County. The creation of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, in particular, has fostered greater accessibility and encouraged alternative forms of transportation, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
About England-Thims & Miller, Inc.
Founded in 1977, ETM is Florida’s leading infrastructure and development consultant, specializing in Development Consulting,  Utility and Water Resources, Geospatial Technologies, Transportation Planning/Design, Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI), and Surveying. ETM provides services to both public and private sector clients throughout North and Central Florida.   
