Turnpike Enterprise outlines long‑range widenings and Direct Connect interchange; construction not yet funded
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Summary
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise told the MPO it is preparing mainline widenings through Martin County and has design funding for a Direct Connect interchange linking I‑95 to the Turnpike; Turnpike staff said construction remains unfunded and a build schedule would be many years out.
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise presented its draft tentative work program to the Martin County MPO on Oct. 27, describing mainline widenings, a bridge replacement project and design funding for a new Direct Connect interchange between I‑95 and the Turnpike.
James Brown, the Turnpike's MPO liaison, said the agency is planning phased widenings of the main line to a minimum of six lanes through much of Martin County and to eight lanes in a north‑county segment; he also described a bridge replacement south of Becker Road that began construction and is scheduled for completion in fiscal 2028. "We're making preparations along the majority of the main line to widen it to a minimum of 6 lanes," Brown said.
Brown said the Direct Connect interchange has design funding in the draft program and that right‑of‑way phases are included, but he clarified that the presentation covered the design phase and not construction funding. When asked directly by a commissioner whether "funded" meant funded for construction, Brown replied, "Correct. That's the only phase. There's no further — the construction is not funded at this time."
The Turnpike reported public outreach on the Direct Connect project, including an in‑person and virtual public hearing last week and attendance by local officials. The liaison also said the agency had accelerated the design schedule by a year in the draft program.
What’s decided: Design and right‑of‑way phases for some Turnpike projects are funded in the draft work program; construction funding was not shown for the Direct Connect and most widening projects. Turnpike staff said construction timelines are long and that earlier design or right‑of‑way work prepares corridors for future building when funding becomes available.
Ending: Turnpike staff will continue design work and public outreach. Board members asked for continued updates as the Turnpike moves through design, environmental review and funding cycles.