STUART — The Florida Department of Transportation plans to spend about $1.5 million on improvements to the quarter-mile stretch of Southwest Joan Jefferson Way at U.S. 1 in Stuart, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2028.
The project is intended to improve traffic flow along the corridor, according to a recently released DOT plan.
Southwest Joan Jefferson Way links U.S. 1 to Northwest Dixie Highway in Stuart.
The DOT intends to replace the existing signal mast arms; reconstruct concrete curb ramps to comply with American with Disabilities Act standards; repave and re-stripe the intersection; and remove existing brick crosswalk pavers and replace with new pavement.
In addition, a queue detection camera for Southwest Joan Jefferson Way eastbound traffic will be installed.
This will identify when vehicles traveling east on Southwest Joan Jefferson Way to downtown Stuart begin to back up and the camera will activate a signal change to prevent traffic from backing up onto U.S. 1, according to Leslie Wetherell, project manager.
The work, which will be done in phases, also includes sidewalk detours to maintain safe pedestrian access during construction, Wetherell noted. In addition, temporary lane closures will occur during non-peak hours to minimize impacts on traffic.
Notices about the project, expected to be completed by winter 2029, were sent to property owners & tenants within 300 feet of the project, to other public officials, regulatory agencies, organizations and individuals who have expressed an interest, according to Wetherell.
The DOT has no plans for a public information meeting, Wetherell noted.
Details about the project can be found at d4fdot.com/future-projects/438345-2.