Palm Beach County has launched a $1 million, yearlong transportation master plan to guide how residents will travel in the future amid rapid growth and heavy traffic. The kickoff event, attended by about 100 people, highlighted both optimism and concerns, as consultants outlined a process to evaluate needs for roads, buses, and rail systems while listening to community feedback.
The plan is led by WSP and includes analysis of data, existing studies, and stakeholder input to prioritize projects. Major initiatives under consideration include expanding PalmTran services and advancing the $500 million Tri-Rail Coastal Link project, which would extend commuter service along the Florida East Coast Railway. At the same time, billions in state and federal funding are already committed to widening Florida’s Turnpike and rebuilding Interstate 95 interchanges.
Officials acknowledged challenges in securing dedicated funding. While a one-cent sales tax referendum was initially envisioned for 2024, commissioners postponed the effort, aiming instead for a possible 2026 ballot measure. With outreach beginning in September, residents from rural areas like Loxahatchee Groves voiced concerns about diverting traffic to their roads, underscoring the complexity of balancing countywide priorities.