PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The long-debated State Road 7 Extension project is taking another step forward, with the Florida Department of Transportation announcing new public meetings to share updated plans and timelines with residents.
According to FDOT, the project — which would extend State Road 7 from Okeechobee Boulevard to Northlake Boulevard — is designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity in western Palm Beach County. The agency says the roadway would provide a safer and more efficient north-south route for drivers in rapidly growing communities west of West Palm Beach.
FDOT plans to host both a virtual and an in-person public meeting later this month. The virtual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, at 5:30 p.m., followed by an in-person meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The meetings will include a presentation beginning at 6 p.m. and a question-and-answer session afterward.
The project is split into two segments. From Okeechobee Boulevard to 60th Street, FDOT plans to add two new travel lanes, creating four lanes total, and modify the 60th Street roundabout to accommodate additional traffic. From 60th Street to Northlake Boulevard, the plans call for a new four-lane divided roadway on a new alignment, including bridges over the M-Canal and Ibis Preserve spillway, as well as a 12-foot shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians.
FDOT says construction would be done in phases to reduce impacts on nearby neighborhoods. Temporary detours are expected during some connection work, but access to homes and businesses would be maintained. Additional public meetings are planned before construction begins to outline potential impacts in more detail.
While the project has faced years of legal challenges and environmental opposition — particularly related to concerns near the Grassy Waters Preserve — FDOT continues to move forward following recent court and permitting decisions.
The project has drawn opposition from the City of West Palm Beach because of the highway’s planned path alongside the city’s drinking water supply.
Read the full flyer below.
Construction is still several years away. FDOT estimates work on one segment could begin as early as spring 2028, with the larger portion starting in fall 2028. The full project is expected to be completed by 2031, with total costs estimated at more than $137 million.
FDOT says residents who cannot attend the meetings can attend a virtual public meeting at this website. The public will also be able to view a recording online and submit questions through the project website.