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Boca Raton studies East–West downtown crossings, considers pedestrian bridges and grade separations
Summary
A Kimley‑Horn consultant and city staff told the CRA they are testing concepts for three primary crossings (2nd, Palmetto and Camino) to improve East–West downtown connectivity, examining at‑grade and grade‑separated options, technical feasibility and high variation in cost estimates.
Brad Davis of Kimley‑Horn told the Community Redevelopment Agency that the East–West connectivity study — begun in August — is in an early idea‑generation phase and will progress through technical testing for feasibility.
Davis said the team identified three primary crossing locations to evaluate: 2nd Street, Palmetto and Camino. Options under study include at‑grade crossings, pedestrian bridges and grade separations. He said staff and consultants will test concepts to identify fatal flaws, technical clearance issues and potential landing locations on the west side of downtown.
Public Works and Engineering Director Zach Beere said the analysis is being coordinated with Palm Beach County and other stakeholders, and that the study uses Vision Zero/high‑injury crash data to prioritize locations. Beere told the CRA that grade‑separation concepts vary widely in cost, with examples shown in the presentation ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars depending on scale and complexity.
Commissioners and staff discussed constraints on the west side — limited right of way, utilities, and adjacency to existing buildings — and the need to coordinate with private landowners and Brightline. Davis said the next phases will narrow concepts, identify technical and clearance requirements and produce preferred concepts aligned with other downtown infrastructure projects.
No decision was made; staff will test concepts for feasibility and return with recommendations, costs and potential coordination steps.
