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County unveils safety package for Dixie Highway rail crossings; estimate $3.2 million for one intersection upgrade
Summary
Martin County traffic engineers outlined safety improvements for five Dixie Highway (US 1 alternate) grade crossings in Hobe Sound and vicinity, proposing pre‑signals, battery backups, pedestrian exit gates, second‑train warnings and pavement markings; estimated cost for the prioritized project is about $3.2 million.
County traffic staff presented a local road safety program proposal focused on Dixie Highway crossings near the FEC corridor in Hobe Sound and adjacent areas and asked the MPO board to endorse a county submittal for local road safety funding.
Eric Ferguson, Martin County traffic engineering administrator, described five crossings (Gleason, Bridge Road, Petway/Crossrip, and Osprey) that have short clear storage distances between the roadway and the railroad gates — in many cases under 50 feet — creating a safety concern where stopped vehicles might be trapped between tracks and the crossing gates. Ferguson proposed a series of safety countermeasures: pre‑signals (to keep drivers from entering the track area), battery backups for signals, pedestrian exit gates, second‑train warning signs and blank‑out signs or red arrows to prohibit turns when gates flash. He also identified mast‑arm and signal‑structure vulnerabilities to current wind load standards that would affect retrofit options.
Ferguson said a specific project at Osprey (and related crossings) is estimated at about $3.2 million; the county intends to submit the prioritized Dixie Highway project for the local road safety funding cycle and will request a resolution of support at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 11. The county’s presentation received support from several commissioners and members of the MPO advisory committees; FDOT staff and the MPO noted coordination is required with FEC for changes at railroad property and equipment.
The board did not take a separate formal MPO vote on the county’s presentation at this meeting; the county said it plans to submit the project scope and cost estimate for the grant cycle.
