PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation informed Palm Beach County commissioners that they will have details about the start date of the eight-day closure at Beeline Highway and Northlake Boulevard by July 10.
CSX, a freight railroad company in charge of making some repairs in that area, is meeting internally to decide if the closure will begin on July 25 or Aug. 1.
WATCH BELOW: When will Northlake Boulevard close for CSX railroad project?
WPTV reporter Victor Jorges was at the commission meeting Tuesday, where FDOT officials briefed commissioners regarding the controversial closure.
One of the main concerns from commissioners is whether or not emergency crews will be able to get through that area. FDOT officials told commissioners they will be able to get through 24/7, with certainty.
County engineer David Ricks said a few things are being done to alleviate the long detours proposed by FDOT. He said they're altering traffic light timing, making sure there are no other closures in that area, and keeping the public in the loop of what’s going on. They plan to launch a website once more details, like the start date, are determined.
Plus, we learned CSX, FDOT, and PBC staff will meet 72 hours before the proposed start date (7/25 or 8/1) for a go or no-go decision.
WATCH PREVIOUS COVERAGE BELOW: 'I think it's awful, man,' driver tells WPTV
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Traffic Division was also present at the meeting. They said they will put more resources in that area to track traffic live. They are staggering shifts to have more people out there, adding more motorcycle-based officers, since they'll be able to maneuver the closure easier, according to the presentation. They'll also have a command post and will centralize communication with the Florida Highway Patrol and local police stations.
Mayor Maria Marino said they had "exhausted every effort" to find other detours or solutions.
She said she’s interested in knowing when this will start and would prefer if this eight-day project wouldn't collide with back-to-school driving patterns. The school year begins Aug. 11 in Palm Beach County. She also mentioned because of the scope of this job, it is a 24/7 closure.
WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW: Residents raise concerns about major road closures
The commission agreed they would prefer to start sooner, pointing out that the July 25 start date would allow the project to conclude by Aug. 2.
If the project starts Aug. 1, it could wrap up as late as Aug. 9, two days before students are set to return to class.
WATCH BELOW: Northlake Boulevard, Beeline Highway closure delayed
Commissioner Marci Woodward asked if the project had to start on Friday, FDOT said starting mid-week would mean it would affect two work weeks, and starting on a Friday "helps logistics."
"If you can avoid having work done to your house, any other traffic, everyone will benefit," Commissioner Gregg Weiss said.
He also encouraged people who can work from home during the closure to start coordinating with their employers.
'We can all do a little bit," he said.
Interim County Administrator Todd J. Bonlarron said "this is part of progress and growth."
Read more of WPTV's coverage below:
Traffic News
'I think it's awful': Closure of Northlake Boulevard delayed until Aug. 1
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We drove the Northlake detours: How long does it take?
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'We're going to be trapped': Residents raise alarm over road closure
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Businesses on Northlake Blvd. say potential 34-mile detour could be devastating
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