The improvements under this Contract consist of pedestrian and safety upgrades to include, milling, resurfacing, signing and pavement markings, lighting, signalization, and other incidental construction for intersection improvements along SR 80 from Veronica Shoemaker Blvd. to Kingston Dr. and SR 82 from Ford St. to Veronica Shoemaker Blvd. in Lee County.

How will Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) help address safety concerns along Palm Beach Boulevard - and what data or research led to that decision. 

• The pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians safely cross higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections. In general, PHBs are used where it is difficult for pedestrians to cross a roadway, such as when gaps in traffic are not sufficient or speed limits exceed 35 miles per hour. They are very effective at locations where three or more lanes will be crossed or traffic volumes are above 9,000 annual average daily traffic.

 How will these changes improve safety in the long-term?

• Nearly 74 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations, and vehicle speeds are often a major contributing factor. As a safety strategy to address this pedestrian crash risk, the PHB is an intermediate option between a flashing beacon and a full pedestrian signal because it assigns right of way and provides positive stop control. It also allows motorists to proceed once the pedestrian has cleared their side of the travel lane(s), reducing vehicle delay.

• This project will enhance pedestrian walkability in a community where over 30% of the residents in this area are below the poverty level. This project is solely focused on safety, as it is a safety-funded project to implement improved access control for pedestrians. Six Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons will be installed at various locations along the SR 80 corridor where there are existing unsafe mid-block crossings.

Six new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) at high-use mid-block crossings on SR 80 (PHB locations were selected based on both crash history and field observations.)

1. SR 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) West of Pine Street

2. SR 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) West of Fairview Avenue

3. SR 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) East of Prospect Avenue

4. SR 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) East of Waverly Avenue

5. SR 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) East of Carolina Avenue

6. SR 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) West of Kingston Drive 

What is the project timeline?

• Estimated completion of S.R. 80 (Palm Beach Boulevard) from Veronica S Shoemaker Boulevard to Kingston Drive is Fall 2026. The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unexpected conditions.

What should drivers and pedestrians expect during construction?

• During construction, motorists should expect intermittent nighttime/overnight lane closures. Motorists are asked to exercise caution while driving through the work zone.