FDOT and consultant teams presented the project development and environment (PD&E) study for the Willoughby Boulevard extension at the Martin County MPO meeting on Sept. 15, outlining two corridor alternatives and the environmental, right‑of‑way and traffic issues that will shape a preferred alignment.

Consultant project manager Chris Rizzolo (project consultant) and FDOT project manager Maria Formoso said the study looks at two corridors: Corridor 1 would run north from Monterey Road via Alhambra Avenue and require acquisitions largely from residential properties; Corridor 2 would route from the back of Martin County High School toward Ray’s Way and use more nonresidential parcels. Both alternatives would add a single travel lane in each direction plus bike lanes, sidewalks and intersection work; the PD&E will evaluate intersection control (stop, signal or roundabout) at new crossings.

Rizzolo described traffic modeling and safety data that informed the study. “From 2019 to 2023 there were about 1,700 crashes in the study area with three fatalities,” Rizzolo said; the highest crash counts were on segments of U.S. 1 and Canner Highway. The consultant said modeling shows the extension could divert northbound traffic and reduce area delay by up to about 15 percent in some scenarios, and that design would include intersection turn lanes and pedestrian accommodations.

Board members and residents raised concerns about neighborhood impacts, potential displacements and impacts to Popleton Creek Park and wetlands. Several residents, and Lucas Latham speaking on behalf of local HOAs, urged the MPO and FDOT to consider a no‑build option and questioned whether neighborhood voices had been adequately reached. Latham said Corridor 1 would displace families and disproportionately affect lower‑income, ethnic‑minority residents along Alhambra Avenue; he also raised environmental concerns near Popleton Creek Park.

MPO staff and FDOT said the PD&E process includes a no‑build alternative and extensive public involvement measures. Rizzolo and staff said the team has done pop‑up events, mailings and a hybrid public kickoff meeting; staff said door hangers and neighborhood outreach are ongoing and that conceptual right‑of‑way needs and potential relocations will be identified in the PD&E.

Board members emphasized careful outreach to affected residents and that federal procedures (uniform relocation) would apply should right‑of‑way acquisition or eminent domain be necessary. Commissioner Christopher Collins asked the project team to prioritize outreach to Spanish‑speaking residents in impacted neighborhoods. Collins and other board members asked FDOT and the consultant to document impacts, right‑of‑way needs and alternatives clearly before any design funding or right‑of‑way actions are taken.

No board vote was taken on a preferred corridor; the PD&E will continue and include additional public meetings. Project materials and updates are posted on FDOT’s project website and will be shared through MPO outreach channels.