What’s in store for Glades Cut Off Road?

The public had two opportunities on February 24 to see what the future might hold for this important 10-mile stretch of roadway, from Range Line Road to Selvitz Road. St. Lucie County hosted a virtual workshop, followed by an in-person session, to update the community on the Glades Cut Off Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study.

As part of this study, crash data over a period of five years was analyzed. Between 2018 and 2022, 94 total crashes were recorded. Of those, 61 involved property damage and 32 had injuries. One accident was fatal. Data has also shown an average of 2,600 to 6,900 daily trips along the corridor. The average daily trips are expected to triple by 2045. Investments in this area would help support safer travel for residents, visitors and emergency vehicles. 

Workshop attendees had the chance to learn about two alternative designs being evaluated. Both options include widening the road from two to four lanes, with a possible six-lane configuration at the western extent. Both include a 12-foot shared-use path along the north side of the road. One design would include on-street buffered bike lanes in each direction, while the other would not include this feature. A third option to make no improvements to the roadway is also being evaluated. In this scenario, referred to as the “no build” option, only routine maintenance of the corridor would be offered.

New proposed traffic signals would improve safety at the intersections of Range Line Road, Burnside Drive, Reserve Boulevard, LTC Parkway, and Jenkins Road. 

Both of the Build Alternatives could generally be built within existing right-of-way; however, there are some areas where additional right-of-way will be required. Offsite stormwater ponds would also require acquisition of additional right-of-way.

The PD&E Study is the second of six phases in the transportation development process. Key components of this process are data collection, traffic forecasts, public and agency involvement, alternatives analysis and environmental and engineering analysis, documentation, and study recommendations.
The following phases remain after the PD&E Study is complete: Design, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Construction, and Maintenance. These phases are not currently funded.

Public outreach and agency coordination will continue throughout the process. A preferred alternative will be identified and refined in preparation for a public hearing to be scheduled later this year.

Stay informed about this project and share your input. Learn more at GladesCutOffRoad.com.