The Florida Department of Transportation hosted an open house in St. Johns County on Tuesday, providing updates on the First Coast Expressway project.
The event also offered the public a chance to learn more about the timeline and goals of this major infrastructure project, which will connect several counties in Northeast Florida.
FDOT spokeswoman Sara Pleasants revealed that two key segments of the expressway in Clay County are expected to open in the summer or fall of 2025, pending weather conditions.
These segments stretch from State Road 21 to north of State Road 16, and from north of State Road 16 to the Shands Bridge. The total project, estimated to cost $242.6 million, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow across the region.
“When completed, a 46-mile expressway will run from Interstate 10 in Duval County, through Clay County, across the St. Johns River, and through St. Johns County to connect with I-95,” Pleasants said.
RELATED: Get a look at the new First Coast Expressway bridge that will go over the St. Johns River
The First Coast Expressway is being built to accommodate the region’s growing population and ease congestion on heavily traveled routes. Pleasants explained that the goal of the project is to improve connectivity and make travel more efficient for commuters.
“It’s really just about supporting the continued growth of the region, making sure people can get where they need to go, and saving time so they’re not sitting in traffic,” Pleasants said.
The expressway will be a toll road, but Pleasants reassured residents that existing roads will remain available for those who prefer not to pay the tolls.
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“If folks don’t want to pay the tolls, they certainly have existing roadways. They will get them where they need to go. For others, it’s worth a few dollars to save their time,” she said.
Community reactions to the tolls have been mixed, but many local drivers are optimistic about the project’s potential to improve traffic flow in the region.
“Anything that would help the congestion on I-95 and maybe decrease accidents a little bit would be great,” Gwen Siegwald, a local driver, said.
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Her husband, Gordon Siegwald, agreed, adding, “Anything that would relieve congestion would be great. I know a lot of folks aren’t thrilled with having to pay, but if it’s an option and not a requirement, it’s probably OK.”
Pleasants said the project will involve the construction of new roadways, rather than significant alterations to existing roads. This will help minimize disruptions while improving overall transportation in the region.
The First Coast Expressway project is expected to be a major step forward for the region’s infrastructure, easing traffic congestion and supporting continued growth in Northeast Florida.
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