The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proposing some important changes in traffic patterns at and around the intersection of Verandah Boulevard (main gate) and Palm Beach Boulevard (SR 80). These changes include:
• Closing the median on Palm Beach Boulevard in front of the main gate. No vehicles will be able to pass through there and turn left toward the interstate. Instead, all traffic departing the main gate must turn right.
• Installing a new U-turn near the bank to allow vehicles to turn toward the interstate. Drivers seeking to use the new U-turn will need to cross the three lanes of traffic. Since this U-turn Lane will be closer to the traffic signal at Walgreens/Raceway drivers will need to exercise caution and patience while waiting until there is a break in the oncoming traffic to safely turn and head west.
Drivers will continue to have the option of using the Frontage Road, driving through the Shoppes at Verandah, and using the existing traffic signal at Walgreens to enter Palm Beach Boulevard. Drivers using this route may experience longer wait times at this traffic signal due to increased traffic from Verandah as well as those eating at the new Culvers. Drivers can also continue to use the Tropic Gate.
At this time, the FDOT has not provided a proposed schedule for when these changes will be made. They have stated that this change is necessitated by the Calusa Crossings commercial land development at the northwest corner of SR-31 and Palm Beach Blvd. This specific intersection is a prime area for development due to its proximity to the rapidly growing Babcock Ranch community and other significant current and planned construction in the immediate market area. To accommodate the projected growth, current and future transportation infrastructure improvements including widening the existing two-lane undivided roadway to a six-lane divided roadway from SR 80 to SR 78, replacing the Wilson Pigott Bridge over the Caloosahatchee River with a high-span fixed bridge, and reconfiguring the existing SR 31/SR 80 intersection to a grade-separated intersection.
Please note that the VCA will share pertinent information on the more immediate traffic change for our main gate and future work as written updates are received from FDOT.
