Turbo lane expected to ease Atlantic Avenue tie-ups

Drivers who frequent Delray Beach are about to get a new “turbo” lane that will relieve traffic backups at the I-95 interchange on Atlantic Avenue.

Construction of the so-called turbo lane is starting this fall, and it’ll be completed by fall 2019 if the weather permits it, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

It’ll add another lane to Atlantic Avenue that directs westbound traffic to the I-95 northbound entrance ramp. A 2-foot high separator will prevent drivers from abruptly shifting into the turbo lane. An open house to show the public all the construction plans will be scheduled before the project starts. “This project is no longer in the design stage, so no more public input meetings will be held,” said Andrea Pacini, I-95 Project spokeswoman.

Advocates had asked for protected bicycle and pedestrian paths, not just “white paint on asphalt,” said former vice mayor Jim Chard, on the board of Human Powered Delray. “It’s scary if you’re in a narrow lane with cars whizzing by,” he said.

FDOT said it added a buffered bike lane “that didn’t exist before and realigned crossings so pedestrians and cyclists are more visible to motorists sooner,” Pacini said.

Concerns came up at a Delray city meeting about students who walk to nearby Atlantic High School. But the school’s principal said Wednesday the subject hasn’t come up.

“No concerns have been expressed to me as of yet about my kids and the new lane,” Tara Dellegrotti-Ocamp wrote in an email.

The project’s proposed work schedule will be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. “Pedestrian traffic will be maintained throughout the course of the project,” Pacini said.

Other work on the Atlantic Avenue interchange will include:

■ Widening the northbound entrance ramp from Atlantic Avenue.

■ Adding guardrails, signs, lights, pavement markings and electronic display signs for safety. ■ Installing a water main and improving drainage.