Boca Raton U.S. 1 Lane Changes Set for July 30 Meetings

Boca Raton residents, commuters and businesses can review planned changes to U.S. 1 at two Florida Department of Transportation meetings on Thursday, July 30, before construction is scheduled to begin in August.

The project covers approximately 1.3 miles of State Road 5/U.S. 1, with FDOT bid documents specifying 1.284 miles, from Camino Real to NE 8th Street/Mizner Boulevard in Boca Raton. Construction is scheduled to continue into late 2027. A City of Boca Raton notice describes the expected completion window as fall 2027, although construction schedules can change.

What FDOT plans to change

From Camino Real to SE Mizner Boulevard/SE 5th Street, the plan calls for removing the 11-foot outside travel lane and narrowing the median. The space would be used to create separated bike lanes and wider sidewalks.

Between SE Mizner Boulevard/SE 5th Street and NE 8th Street/Mizner Boulevard, FDOT also plans additional median narrowing and separated bike lanes. The project includes milling and resurfacing the roadway throughout the corridor.

At Camino Real, the project would replace existing traffic signals with mast arms and add a second northbound left-turn lane. FDOT describes that intersection work as an operational improvement; the project should not be presented as a guarantee of reduced congestion or faster travel times along the corridor.

Pedestrian and accessibility work

Planned improvements include a new signalized mid-block crosswalk south of Plaza Real, additional lighting, upgraded pedestrian signals and push buttons, and new or modified curb ramps and pedestrian detectors designed to meet ADA requirements.

Signs and pavement markings also would be replaced or upgraded. The construction bid documents identify sidewalks, bike-lane markings, traffic control, signal equipment and related roadway work as part of the contract.

What drivers and businesses should expect

FDOT anticipates single-lane closures along the corridor and some two-lane closures during nonpeak hours, at night and on weekends. The agency says access to businesses and residences will be maintained during construction, and the speed limit within the project limits will remain 35 mph.

Drivers should expect changing work-zone conditions when construction begins in August. People walking or biking through the corridor should follow posted signs, temporary routes and any work-zone instructions. FDOT’s weekly traffic reports are expected to provide the most specific closure information once work is underway.

How to attend the July 30 meetings

The virtual public meeting is scheduled for 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30. Registration is required through FDOT’s project information page.

An in-person construction open house will follow from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Avenue. The event is intended to provide information about the planned project and construction impacts. It is not a formal vote on whether the project will proceed.

Residents who use U.S. 1, operate businesses along the corridor or regularly walk and bike in downtown Boca Raton can use either meeting to review the planned traffic pattern, construction phasing and access arrangements before work begins.

Sources

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