3 projects on Southern could ease traffic woes

Planning in response to new developments in western communities.

Several projects planned for Southern Boulevard in coming years could address traffic woes on one of the county’s primary east-west thoroughfares.

The work is being done as several large development projects ramp up in the western communities — including Arden, which covers more than 1,200 acres and, when finished, will have 2,000 homes.

Arden sits just west of Lion Country Safari on the north side of Southern Boulevard and is in the early stages of development, with sales expected to begin early next year, according to a spokesperson for Freehold Communities, the company building Arden.

Palm Beach County Engineer George Webb said the road projects are a “direct response” to Arden and other large commercial and residential areas being developed west of Florida’s Turnpike.

“We’re trying to stay somewhat in front of it,” he said, referring to an expected increase in traffic.

The Florida Department of Transportation is leading the From traffic troubles to transportation trends, Kristina Webb will help you get around, whether you’re on a highway, roadway or runway. Find her reports in The Palm Beach Post. Send your tips and traffic woes to her at projects, with input and some funding from the county.

One project would widen Southern from four lanes to six from the entrance to Arden to the intersection with Crestwood/Forest Hill Boulevard. The cost is estimated at $46.3 million, and construction is slated for 2018.

The intersection of Crestwood/ Forest Hill and Southern also will see improvements, with the addition of a third westbound left turn lane, a continuous northbound to eastbound right turn lane, widening the C-51 Canal bridge and adding bike lanes on both roads.

The price for the intersection work is estimated at $3.5 million, with construction starting in 2019.

Another project would add lanes — an eastbound right turn