Religion an issue for new Florida's Turnpike interchange

Religion an issue for new Florida's Turnpike interchange

Palmetto Park Road is the ideal choice, according to turnpike officials, because almost two-thirds of the traffic using the Glades Road exit is headed to and coming from the south. But residents who live near the road say officials have overlooked the impact that an interchange would have on West Boca's community of Orthodox Jews.

By Michael Turnbell South Florida Sun-Sentinel

BOCA RATON - It's a clash of religion and ramps. Florida's Turnpike officials say Palmetto Park Road is the best location for a $119 million SunPass interchange to relieve bottlenecks at the Glades Road toll plaza.
But residents who live near the road say officials have overlooked the impact that an interchange would have on West Boca's community of Orthodox Jews concentrated along Palmetto Park, who walk on the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays.

They say Yamato Road, with a bigger concentration of major employers, makes more sense. The proposed interchange is part of a larger study to widen 10 miles of the turnpike in the densely populated corridor in north Broward County and south Palm Beach County, where access to the turnpike is limited.

The Glades exit is overloaded with traffic because it is the only full turnpike interchange in a 12-mile stretch between Sample Road in Broward and Atlantic Avenue west of Delray Beach.

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