STUART \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
The project is intended to improve traffic flow along the corridor, according to a recently released DOT plan.<\/p>\n
Southwest Joan Jefferson Way links U.S. 1 to Northwest Dixie Highway in Stuart.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In addition, a queue detection camera for Southwest Joan Jefferson Way eastbound traffic will be installed.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The DOT has no plans for a public information meeting, Wetherell noted.<\/p>\n