The City of Fort Lauderdale is advancing the Las Olas Boulevard Mobility Improvements Project, a comprehensive effort designed to enhance how residents, businesses, and visitors move along and experience one of the city’s most renowned corridors.

Rooted in history and designed for people, the project focuses on improving pedestrian comfort and safety, expanding tree canopy and shade, and creating a more resilient streetscape that supports vibrant street life today and into the future.

“Las Olas is evolving while remaining true to its roots,” said Mayor Dean Trantalis. “These improvements build upon what makes the boulevard so special. The design improves the environment and keeps a tree-lined shopping district while enhancing the pedestrian experience and maintaining street parking.”

“We’re improving how people experience this street each day and enhancing the features that neighbors and visitors love,” said Commissioner Ben Sorensen. 

More Shade Where People Walk 

A key outcome of the project is a substantial net gain in tree canopy across the entire corridor, with shade prioritized along sidewalks and gathering areas. New canopy trees will be large, installed at approximately 75 percent maturity, providing immediate shade and visual presence. 

Tree canopy increases by segment include: 

Downtown: Approximately four times more canopy, with about 95 percent shade trees 
Shops segment: Approximately four times more canopy, with 100 percent shade trees along sidewalks 
Colee Hammock: Up to twelve times more canopy, with up to 100 percent shade trees 

Why Some Changes Are Needed 

Some of the trees along Las Olas Boulevard are old and no longer healthy. Because they are in a busy urban area, their roots have limited space to grow and are impacted by underground utilities. Independent arborists found that some trees are in poor condition and could become unsafe. Removing a limited number of these trees is necessary to protect public safety, improve sidewalks, and make room for healthier trees that can grow and thrive long term. 

Safer, More Walkable Streets 

The project introduces a range of pedestrian-focused improvements, including: 

• Wider sidewalks to improve comfort and accessibility

• Raised intersections and mid-block crossings to enhance pedestrian safety 

• Traffic-calming elements to help reduce vehicle speeds 

• Consistent pedestrian-scale lighting to improve nighttime visibility