October 04 2019 0Comment

Work begins on Fla. Turnpike widening project

Rendering by FDOT.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun work on the $168 million project to widen Florida’s Turnpike from north of Boynton Beach Blvd. to north of Lake Worth Road, according to The Palm Beach Post.

The project is adding a lane to increase the turnpike to three lanes in each direction along a 7-mile section between the Lantana Toll Plaza and the West Palm Beach Service Plaza. The Hypoluxo Road Bridge over the turnpike west of Lake Worth will have to be reconstructed to accommodate the added lanes.

The widening project includes better signage, pavement markings, signalization, lighting, and drainage, which is expected to improve safety and traffic flow. Sound walls will also be built along qualifying adjacent residential areas. The work is expected to be completed in 2024 barring any issues with weather or unexpected problems.

Design projects are underway to widen the 14-mile section between Glades Road and Boynton Beach Blvd. from six to 10 lanes with two express lanes and three general toll lanes in each direction. Two center express lanes will also be added in both directions between Glades and Atlantic Ave. That construction won’t begin until after 2024 and is expected cost more than $500 million.

 

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