Road projects will continue for some time on A1A

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 19, 2016 5:44 p.m.

Wondering when those road improvement projects along A1A will ever be finished? According to those in the know, it’s probably best not to hold your breath.

At the May 17, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission, Wanda Forrest, Transportation Planning Manager of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), provided a brief update and answered questions regarding transportation projects planned and programmed for the area. Ms. Karen Tobey from the Florida Department of Transportation was available to answer questions.

Karen Tobey (l) and Wanda Forrest brief FBCC on planned transportation projects.
Karen Tobey (l) and Wanda Forrest brief FBCC on planned transportation projects.

Developed annually, the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) is the short-range plan for North Florida’s urbanized area. Forrest provided commissioners with the entire plan for the area, but confined her public presentation to those projects in eastern Nassau County and Fernandina Beach. There have been several public hearings to take input on the proposed changes. The final meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2016 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the TPO office at 980 North Jefferson Street in Jacksonville. A meeting has been scheduled for adopting the plan on June 9 at 10 a.m. at the same location.

Major road widening and reconstruction work has been taking place in phases along A1A (SR200) since 2014. It appears that the portion just west of Still Quarters Road to just west of Rubin Lane is scheduled for completion in late 2016. From I-95 to west of Still Quarters Road is under construction and not scheduled for completion until FY2018/19. In January 2016, work began on the portion between Rubin Lane and County Road 107. That work will not be completed until summer 2019.

Resurfacing of A1A on the island between the Shave Bridge and Centre Street is scheduled for FY2017/2018. Resurfacing of South 14th Street from Sadler Road to the Amelia Island Parkway will be done next fiscal year.

A bike path is also planned for Bailey and Simmons Roads between the Sports Complex and Fletcher Avenue in FY 2017/18.

More bike paths and trails are planned for FY2020 as indicated in the graphic below:

bike paths

For additional information or to see the entire plan, visit http://northfloridatpo.com.

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.