SR-786 Reconstruction

State Road 786, known locally as PGA Boulevard, serves as a critical east-west connection in Palm Beach Gardens. Frequent flooding and roadway overtopping created hazardous driving conditions and disrupted traffic flow, particularly during severe storm events. The corridor’s proximity to sensitive wetlands added further complexity, requiring improvements that balanced transportation performance with environmental protection.

To address these challenges, the Florida Department of Transportation partnered with Stanley Consultants as part of a design-build team. Stanley led the development of the criteria package, including conceptual roadway and bridge designs that raised the roadway nearly two feet to reduce flooding and improve reliability during severe storms. Because the corridor crosses the environmentally sensitive Loxahatchee Slough, historically considered the northernmost extent of the Everglades ecosystem and the headwaters of the scenic Loxahatchee River, maintaining water levels and flow patterns was a critical design consideration. GIS-supported hydrologic and hydraulic modeling helped determine the bridge opening needed to preserve wetland conditions and improve waterway connectivity. The analyses supported permitting approvals from local, state and federal agencies. The new bridge and culverts restored more natural water flow, advanced Everglades restoration efforts and improved corridor resilience. Wildlife crossings and recreational access further strengthened connections between the surrounding environment and community.

The completed project improved roadway resiliency and motorist safety while enhancing hydrologic flow and wildlife movement within the Loxahatchee Slough. In addition to these transportation and environmental benefits, the design approach generated surplus mitigation credits that FDOT District 4 can apply toward future environmental initiatives.