A resident expressed their concern specifically about the construction happening at County Road 209, County Road 315, Russell Road and Henley Road. 

And the answer to this question lies in the money. 

These areas are the construction sites for the Lake Asbury portion of the county's Bonded Transportation Program. The county said that the projects aim to improve traffic flow, increase public safety and increase travel lanes, among other things. 

Let's start by explaining exactly what the projects entail. 

The first will reconstruct a two-lane urban roadway into a four-lane urban section from Peters Creek Bridge south to U.S. 17. This is estimated to be completed in Spring 2026. 

The second endeavor affects County Road 209 from Sandridge Road to Peters Creek Bridge and is divided into two parts. Project 3A involves operational improvements at Oak Steam Drive and Watkins Road. Project 3B includes the widening and realignment of Sandridge Road plus operational improvements at the intersection of County Road 209 and County Road 209B. The work is estimated to be completed in the fall. 

The third will reconstruct a two-lane urban roadway section into three lanes on Sandridge Road from Henley Road to west of County Road 209. This is estimated to be completed this spring. 

The fourth project will be a First Coast Expressway connector, bringing an ultimate four-lane section from U.S. 17 to Maryland Avenue. The completion date for this is to be determined. 

So, why is it happening all at once? 

After consulting with the county, I found that there were time constraints. Eighty-five percent of the bond funds had to be spent on the Bonded Transportation Projects by March. This was to meet the rules of the bond. The county said that the threshold was met two weeks ago.

If you have a question about your community that you want answered, email kyla@claytodayonline.com.