West Palm Beach Unveils I-95 Interchange Upgrade Plan
The Florida Department of Transportation plans to expand the 45th Street interchange to eight lanes.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Florida Department of Transportation recently presented a $31.3 million design to upgrade the I-95 and 45th Street interchange in West Palm Beach. The project aims to improve traffic flow, safety, and connectivity at the site.
Why it matters
The upgrade addresses long-standing congestion issues first identified in a 2014 review of the interchange. By expanding capacity and adding turn lanes, officials hope to enhance travel for commuters and surrounding businesses.
The plan expands the interchange from six lanes to eight lanes and includes new turn lanes. The design also incorporates infrastructure improvements for local bicyclists and pedestrians.
The players
Florida Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Florida's transportation infrastructure.
The details
The reconstruction will involve significant changes to entrance and exit ramps to support higher volume and better vehicle navigation. Work will occur in phases to ensure the roads remain open, with lane and ramp closures limited to off-peak hours.
Timeline
A 2014 review first identified the interchange as requiring safety and flow improvements.
The Florida Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting for the project on October 13, 2026.
Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2031.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader trend of retrofitting aging highway infrastructure to accommodate modern traffic demands and multi-modal safety. It marks a transition from purely vehicle-centric design to one that includes dedicated space for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Drivers and area residents can expect to see staged construction efforts that maintain access to the 45th Street corridor throughout the project. While lane and ramp closures will occur during off-peak hours, daily routines should remain functional as the project progresses toward the 2031 finish line.
The takeaway
The expansion will significantly increase vehicle capacity while updating the interchange to better serve non-motorized traffic. Residents should prepare for several years of phased construction activity near this busy transit point.
What happens next
Construction is projected to begin in 2028 and is expected to continue through 2031.
Further reading
For more on local development, see the Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPEC.
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed expansion of the I-95 and 45th Street interchange in your area?
