Midway Road - Project History

In early 2001, the St. Lucie Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) developed and adopted the 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Spurred by the 2000 census, which documented population and employment growth in the region, the urbanized areas of Ft. Pierce and Stuart merged into a single Transportation Management Area known as the St. Lucie Urbanized Area. As a result of this re-designation, discussions arose about consolidating the Martin and St. Lucie MPOs. Rather than consolidate, the two MPOs agreed to engage in a coordinated joint-planning program. The Regional LRTP, dubbed Destination 2030, has been the major focus of these joint planning efforts.

Since the last LRTP update in 2001, the region’s population has increased rapidly, reaching a 2004 combined regional total of approximately 365,000. The City of Port St. Lucie estimates its current population as 135,000 residents and city official are expecting to see that population double.

A review of recently submitted, pre-application and approved Developments of Regional Impact shows plans to build 71,000 dwelling units, over 7.4 million square feet of office space, 11.0 million square feet of industrial space and 9.5 million square feet of retail/services in western Port St. Lucie and northern St. Lucie County. The magnitude of this pending and approved development suggests the creation of a new regional center of activity in this area that has the potential to shift economic forces and patterns of traffic for years to come.

The Cost Feasible Roadway Plan for the St. Lucie MPO builds upon the priorities established in the 2025 LRTP. It should be noted that the 2011-2030 roadway priorities identified as Cost Feasible, build upon significant efforts planned through 2010, including capacity improvements for Midway Road and Selvitz Road. These Cost Feasible projects include the following: the addition of up to four (4) lanes on Midway Road from I-95 to Selvitz Road; the addition of two (2) lanes on Midway Road from Selvitz Road to 25th Street; the addition of two (2) lanes on Selvitz Road from Edwards Road to Midway Road; and the addition of two (2) lanes on Selvitz Road from Midway Road to Bayshore Road.

As a component of the roadway improvements to Midway Road and Selvitz Road, pedestrian and bicycle improvements in the form of sidewalks and wider outside through travel lanes, respectively, will be incorporated into the design of these projects.

The St. Lucie MPO completed a major update of its Transit Development Plan in September 2005. One of the recommended cost-feasible transit projects from this update is the initiation of fixed route bus service as demand and development/growth warrant along Midway Road.