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Study examines East–West downtown crossings; grade-separated pedestrian bridges and costs under review
Summary
A Kimley‑Horn consultant updated the CRA on the East–West connectivity study, identifying 2nd, Palmetto and Camino as primary crossing locations across the railroad; staff warned of right‑of‑way, utility and landing constraints and estimated grade‑separation concepts could range from about $7 million to more than $70–100 million.
Brad Davis, a Kimley‑Horn consultant, told the Community Redevelopment Agency the East–West connectivity study (phase 1: idea generation) is testing options to improve multimodal links across the railroad tracks in downtown Boca Raton. Staff and consultants have solicited community and agency input and are evaluating at‑grade and grade‑separated crossing concepts at three primary locations: 2nd Street, Palmetto and Camino Real.
"Our 3 primary crossings that we're looking at are 2nd, Palmetto, and Camino," Davis said, and he described possible grade-separated options north and south of Palmetto and near the Brightline station. He said the study will test concepts for fatal flaws, technical clearance and constructability before narrowing to preferred alternatives.
Zach Beard and Davis warned of feasibility constraints: limited right-of-way, existing utilities, and nearby buildings that limit landing opportunities. Staff mapped city properties that could provide landing areas (for example around Old Town Hall and stretches with continuous city property) but noted many locations would require elevation, small adjacent parking, or coordination with private rail operations.
Beard told commissioners the cost range for projects shown in presentation examples varied widely: "those projects ... range anywhere from 7 to 10,000,000 all the way up to 70 to $100,000,000," underscoring the broad spectrum of potential scope and cost depending on the solution selected. Commissioners requested the crash and fatality data that underpin the "high-injury network" designation for Palmetto and Camino so they can review the safety evidence used to prioritize improvements.
Staff said they are coordinating with Palm Beach County on intersection safety improvements and will return with refined concepts and feasibility findings in subsequent study phases. No design or funding decisions were made at the Dec. 15 meeting.
