Pembroke Pines breaks ground on major University Drive upgrades

Broward leaders marked the start of a corridor overhaul on University Drive in Pembroke Pines, with construction expected to run through 2030. The project aims to improve safety, accessibility and traffic flow along a key Broward County route, backed in part by a $5 million federal grant.

Why it matters: - The University Drive Improvements Project is aimed at making a major Broward County corridor safer and easier to use for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. - The work is expected to improve mobility, accessibility and quality of life for residents, businesses and travelers along the route. - The project also reflects a broader push to align transportation spending with regional growth and long-term mobility needs.

What happened: - The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Pembroke Pines, elected officials, transportation partners and community stakeholders marked the groundbreaking of the University Drive Improvements Project on May 27. - The celebration took place at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines. - The event was part of the inaugural Built for Broward Week initiative. - Construction has started on the corridor upgrade, which runs from north of Pembroke Road to north of Johnson Street.

The details: - The project is scheduled for completion in 2030. - Planned improvements include roadway resurfacing, upgraded sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps, enhanced pedestrian lighting, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, drainage enhancements and upgraded traffic signal infrastructure. - The project received part of its funding through a $5 million federal grant secured with the support of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. - A recorded video message from Wasserman Schultz was shared during the event. - Built for Broward Week was created by the Broward MPO to highlight transportation projects, partnerships and infrastructure investments across Broward County. - The initiative is meant to showcase projects tied to regional mobility, innovation, connectivity, economic opportunity and safer communities.

Between the lines: - The event framed transportation infrastructure as an economic and community-development issue, not just a construction update. - Broward MPO is using the weeklong initiative to reinforce its “Turning Opportunity Into Impact” message around regional investment. - The emphasis on collaboration signals that large corridor projects in Broward County still depend on coordination across federal, state, regional and local partners.

What's next: - Construction will continue on the University Drive corridor through 2030. - Transportation leaders said continued partnership will be needed to deliver infrastructure upgrades that match Broward County’s future mobility demand. - Built for Broward Week is expected to keep drawing attention to projects that shape the county’s transportation network and economic outlook.

The bottom line: - Broward County is investing in University Drive as a safer, more connected corridor with benefits that extend beyond transportation.