Posted on 12/07/2016 11:00:21 AM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Construction of two of the three sections of the multi-lane First Coast Expressway running through Clay County and neighboring Northeast Florida communities is behind schedule, according to Florida Department of Transportation officials, who cited a variety of factors for the delays.
The expressway is a limited access toll facility is touted by elected officials and economic development authorities in Clay as being a gateway to new residential and commercial economic growth, which translates into an increased tax base.
When completed, the expressway will span 46.5 miles. It be a connecting road outside of the existing Interstate 295 Loop between Interstate 95 in St. Johns County and Interstate 10 in Duval County. The northern section will be from Florida 21, commonly known as Blanding Boulevard, in Clay County, to I-10 in Duval County.
A large portion will run through Green Cove Springs, Penney Farms and Middleburg in Clay County. As planned, the entire project will include 13 new interchanges and a major new bridge across the St. Johns River, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Currently under construction:
- The extension connecting U.S. 90, also known as Beaver Street to I-10 in Duval County is projected to finish in early 2018.
- The expressway from I-10 to Argyle Forest is projected to finish in summer 2017.
- The expressway from Argyle Forest to Florida 21, known locally as Blanding Boulevard in Clay County, also is projected to finish in summer 2017.
- Meanwhile, the section from I-95 in St. Johns County to Blanding Boulevard in Clay County is in the design phase, according to a FDOT project summary.
(Excerpt) Read more at jacksonville.com ...
What a shock. It would be news if a highway construction project was on schedule and budget.
when I go to FL I am impressed they actually build more highway capacity to meet the growing population.
“when I go to FL I am impressed they actually build more highway capacity to meet the growing population.”
Not bad, but they didn’t always. It’s much easier to expand capacity into rural areas, where the cost of including some overcapacity is easy to take. For decades they would treat the highways in and around the population centers as campaign payoffs....expand one lane at a time, so you have to go back in 5-10 years and do it again.
>>Meanwhile, the section from I-95 in St. Johns County to Blanding Boulevard in Clay County is in the design phase, according to a FDOT project summary.
Darn. This is the part we REALLY need!
>>For decades they would treat the highways in and around the population centers as campaign payoffs....expand one lane at a time, so you have to go back in 5-10 years and do it again.
I’m as cynical as the next guy and most people do believe what you said, but it really boils down to what you can get matching funding for. Its easier to get funding for “the people will riot if they don’t get this” than it is for “the people really don’t like to slow down, so we need 8 lanes through here”.
I used to drive the section from Blanding to 103rd daily and was happy when they finished the four lane from Argyle to 103rd. Don’t have to do it any more, but I’d be really unhappy if I had to pay a toll to do it every day. Years ago local govt’s agreed to do away with tolls. Seems they lied, as govt’s often do.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.