Plans coming together to widen Turnpike in Broward
COCONUT CREEK - The city of Coconut Creek has hired a law firm to help them navigate a Turnpike expansion project that will impact the city.
The Florida Department of Transportation is moving forward with a plan to add lanes to the section of the Turnpike that runs next to the city in north Broward County.
The proposal is to go from six lanes to ten lanes - two more in each direction.
If constructed, the traffic will run closer to the Sunset neighborhood and the large Wynmoor community off Coconut Creek Parkway.
"It's been talked about for 15 years and it's back," said Commissioner Jeff Wasserman.
"Sunset is one of our oldest communities," he said. Some fear intense construction near the homes that were built 50 years ago could affect the structural integrity.
Wasserman said retirees in Wynmoor would be affected by the construction and loud noise.
The DOT has said they would consider building large barrier walls next to the Turnpike to minimize the noise.
Resident Luis Torres, who lives just feet from the Turnpike, says he's in favor of the project if it means a barrier wall will be built.
"I will hear less noise," he says.
A public hearing on the project will be held and the DOT hopes to finalize the plan by the end of the year.
