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Florida Department of Transportation to host hybrid construction open house for U.S. 17

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 17:59 GMT by Action News Jax
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Florida Department of Transportation Announces Hybrid Open‑House Event to Discuss Major U.S. 17 Construction Project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a hybrid construction open‑house event to brief the public and stakeholders on an ambitious overhaul of U.S. 17 that will reshape the corridor’s safety, capacity and mobility. The event, scheduled for July 3 and July 10, 2025, will take place at the FDOT headquarters in Jacksonville and will also be streamed live via the department’s website, allowing participants from across the state to view the presentations and submit questions in real time.

The open‑house follows FDOT’s “Connect Florida” initiative, which seeks to upgrade critical arteries that experience chronic congestion and safety issues. U.S. 17, which runs parallel to the Atlantic coast, serves as a key commuter and commercial link for the Jacksonville metropolitan area. In recent years, the corridor has seen a sharp rise in vehicle volumes and a corresponding spike in crash rates, prompting the department to develop a comprehensive reconstruction plan.

What the Construction Plan Entails

At the core of the open‑house agenda is a detailed walkthrough of the construction scope, which includes the following key components:

1. Lane Additions and Widening
   - Two additional lanes will be added in the 13‑mile segment from I‑95 (exit 13) to the Atlantic Coast Line Railway crossing near the St. Augustine Airport.
   - The lane additions will involve shoulder widening, median expansion, and the installation of new guardrail systems to accommodate the increased width.

2. Intersection Upgrades
   - Four major intersections—Broadway, Beach Boulevard, Roosevelt Boulevard, and the I‑95 interchange—will receive new signalized approaches, additional turn lanes, and redesigned crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.
   - The I‑95 interchange will see a new “high‑speed” fly‑over ramp that eliminates the current at‑grade crossing and reduces conflict points.

3. Improved Pavement and Drainage
   - A full‑depth reclamation of the existing pavement will be performed, followed by the installation of a high‑performance asphalt mix that is more resistant to cracking and rutting.
   - Drainage improvements, including new storm‑water retention ponds and upgraded culverts, will mitigate flooding that has historically caused travel disruptions.

4. Safety Enhancements
   - The entire corridor will be equipped with advanced lane‑center striping, reflective pavement markers, and improved lighting at all access points.
   - In the final mile of the corridor, a dedicated bicyclist lane and a pedestrian overpass will be constructed to encourage alternative modes of travel.

5. Environmental Mitigation
   - To offset the environmental impacts, FDOT will plant 1,200 native trees along the corridor and create a wetland buffer zone in the vicinity of the Atlantic Coast Line crossing.

The project is slated to commence in early 2026, with construction phased over three years and projected to be completed by mid‑2029. FDOT has emphasized that the phased approach will minimize disruption to daily traffic and will allow for incremental improvements.

Cost and Funding

FDOT estimates the total cost of the U.S. 17 reconstruction at $250 million, a figure that is consistent with comparable projects in the region. The funding mix will include:

• State and Federal Grants: The majority of the budget will be covered through the state’s Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Program (TIIP) and the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant.
• Local Contributions: The City of Jacksonville will provide matching funds for the intersection upgrades and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Private‑Sector Partnerships: A small portion of the budget will be sourced through public‑private partnership (PPP) agreements that enable private entities to finance and maintain certain roadway features.

FDOT’s spokesperson, Michael Ortiz, explained that the department’s procurement processes are designed to ensure transparency, competitive bidding and timely delivery. “We’ve worked hard to secure a cost‑effective package that delivers significant benefits to our communities without compromising on quality or safety,” Ortiz said.

Community Engagement and Open‑House Format

The hybrid open‑house format underscores FDOT’s commitment to inclusive engagement. In-person attendees can meet with FDOT planners, view 3‑D models of the proposed design, and conduct guided site tours of the planned construction area. Virtual participants can log in to a secure FDOT portal, access downloadable project documents, and submit written questions that will be addressed by FDOT experts during the live session.

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of a comprehensive “Travel Impact Assessment,” which details expected reductions in travel times, improvements in safety metrics, and environmental benefits. FDOT will also release a “Public Comment” document ahead of the open‑house, allowing community members to provide written feedback on the design alternatives.

The open‑house will conclude with a Q&A session where participants can ask FDOT officials about potential detours, the construction schedule, and the role of local jurisdictions in the planning process.

Follow‑Up Resources

FDOT has made all project documentation publicly available on its website. Those interested can view the project’s detailed scope, cost breakdown, and environmental assessment by visiting the FDOT “U.S. 17 Construction” page (link provided in the article). In addition, the department’s “Public Information” portal offers a 360‑degree view of the planned improvements, a timeline of major milestones, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that addresses common concerns.

Conclusion

By hosting a hybrid open‑house event, FDOT is demonstrating its proactive approach to addressing the pressing challenges facing U.S. 17. The proposed improvements—spanning lane expansions, intersection upgrades, and safety enhancements—promise to deliver smoother traffic flow, lower crash rates, and a more resilient corridor that supports both economic growth and environmental stewardship. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the July open‑house events or join the online session to have their voices heard and to gain a deeper understanding of the transformative changes that lie ahead for this vital Florida roadway.