County approves plan to move sidewalk off roadway and add pedestrian bridge after student death

Palm Beach County commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with a pedestrian‑safety option near Woodlake Middle School and Garcia High School that moves the sidewalk away from the roadway and includes a pedestrian bridge across a canal.

County Engineer David Riggs presented two options following a directive last summer to evaluate school‑zone safety and pedestrian access. Riggs said Option 2 — shifting and widening sidewalks away from the road corridor and adding a bridge — is more expensive but offers greater safety benefits. The option was prompted, in part, by a recent tragic death in the corridor.

Commissioners expressed support for the safety focus and asked staff to coordinate with the School District on March 26 to explore cost‑sharing and next steps. Mayor Sarah Baxter and commissioners approved moving forward with Option 2 by unanimous vote.