MPO board approves Turnpike–I‑95 direct‑connect preferred alternative; project would remove crossover traffic from local interchanges

Florida's Turnpike Enterprise presented a preferred alternative June 16 to the Martin County MPO Policy Board for a direct connection interchange between I‑95 and Florida’s Turnpike near Bridge Road, and the board voted to approve the preferred alternative.

Turnpike staff said the project would provide four directional connections (northbound‑to‑northbound and southbound‑to‑southbound) so drivers would not need to use local roads to move between the two limited‑access facilities. Project presenters explained two alternatives were evaluated and that alternative 2 was selected as the preferred alternative because it provides the same four system‑to‑system movements while avoiding modifications to the existing I‑95 ramps.

Presenters told the board the preferred alternative would require additional right of way for ramps and access roads and that design and right‑of‑way costs will be refined as the PD&E process proceeds. The study estimates traffic benefits for year‑2050 conditions: the preferred alternative would move about 26,400 vehicles per day onto the new interchange configuration and is expected to reduce crossover traffic at the Indiantown Road Turnpike interchange (Palm Beach County) and the Martin Highway I‑95 interchange. Turnpike staff said the PD&E study is expected to be complete in early 2026 and a public hearing is planned later in 2025.

Commissioners and staff pressed for more public outreach; one commissioner said turnout to date in virtual/in‑person outreach “needs to reflect a lot more activity and participation.” Turnpike staff described mailed notices, press releases, social media and geofencing as outreach methods and said they will continue to expand outreach ahead of the public hearing.

The MPO board took a motion to approve the preferred alternative; the vote passed unanimously.