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Jupiter bridge upgrade could affect drivers, businesses for year

US 1/Federal Highway Bridge in Jupiter
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JUPITER, Fla. — Matt Feaganes knows once the U.S. 1/Federal Highway bridge in Jupiter is closed due to construction, the roadways will be busy.

"It's already tough enough with traffic just being the season right now so when it's closed it's going to be difficult," said Feaganes.

The town of Jupiter wants to upgrade the bridge.

Vice Mayor Jim Kuretski said, "We were looking for the bridge to be upgraded to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists as you can see it's very unsafe conditions."

The upgrade which will replace the old bridge would also reduce bridge openings by 60 percent. FDOT told the town council Tuesday night that the bridge could be closed for at least a year.

"Before the construction will begin, there is a lot of design and planning that has to happen inclusive of putting in detour routing."

The detours will increase traffic onto Beach Road and Alternate A1A. Feaganes says he will be ready.

"The congestion is going to be out of this world," said Feaganes.

But for people who bike or walk over the bridge, it's something to look forward. One walker told us, "I would love a walkway."

Another said, "It would be nice. I would be able to come down and be able to walk more."

FDOT will have more updates this year. The town council could make a final decision by the end of this year. Construction of the bridge could begin in 2021.