Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
August 31, 2020
“Will these road projects ever be completed?”
That’s the question from many local residents as they fume and fidget in lines of slow moving or stopped traffic along A1A/SR200 on the way to or from Amelia Island from I-95. The Fernandina Observer queried the Florida Department of Transportation for project updates, and received the response below this morning:
“There are two projects currently underway along State Road 200. The project at I-95, which includes a Diverging Diamond Interchange, is expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting. The other project along the corridor, which extends from just east of U.S. 17 to O’Neill Scott Road and includes a new bridge over Lofton Creek, is expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
“Work is ongoing along the corridor to improve the roadway and offer drivers an improved transportation experience. To that end, the project east of U.S. 17 will see continued removal of the barrier wall. The removal of barrier wall marks an important milestone for crews as an additional traffic shift along the corridor will take place in October. The final shift will move drivers to the two outside lanes and allow crews to place the final layer of asphalt to give drivers the smooth ride they have been waiting for.
“With regard to the Diverging Diamond Interchange, drivers can expect traffic shifts and an eventual detour of the interchange to place to intersection in its final configuration. As crews make changes to the corridor, FDOT will update media and interested parties. To that end, a weekly lane closure report is published every Friday for lane closures, shifts and other points of interest. [Note: The Fernandina Observer publishes this report weekly.]
“We appreciate the public’s patience along the corridor. The construction projects like this are a temporary inconvenience toward a more permanent transportation experience.”
So keep your fingers crossed and pray for good weather!
I will certainly be happy once this is completed, as I’ve had 3 broken windshields replaced in the last 2 1/2 years, damaged 2 alloy wheels, and got asphalt all over my car in which the contractor refused to pay for anything.
They could take lessons from the state of Georgia who 4 laned hwy 84 from Waycross to Homerville Ga. in less than 2 years. More than 30 miles.
The end of the year? What year? I hope this article is maintained in the archives. It will be fun to look back on it year after year and laugh, in hopes of relieving our continued anguish.
As a long time Fernandina Beach resident it’s clear that .
1 The folks in charge of this project where incompetent from what?? 10 years ago.or
2 In bed with local and state corrupt politicians hiding those back door selfish deals$$$$$ or
3 All of the above!
4 Probably 3 and shame on all of you because in the end it all has to be payed in full….. it’s call S.O.D ,soul on delivery!
i don’t call 5 years temporary!!
Why does this article have a picture of Robin Williams attached to it?