GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Residents and local officials met with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation and AIM Engineering & Surveying Inc., a potential engineering firm, for a proposal that would streamline traffic flow northbound at the expense of some left-turning options along U.S. Highway 17 from Oak Street to Black Creek.

The $14.3 million project includes renovations and a proposal to construct traffic separators in the median along U.S. 17 from north of Oak Street to Ferris Street (State Road 16), from Ferris to Walnut Streets and from Walnut to Center Streets.

Subsequently, this would eliminate left turns for drivers on Cove, Bay, Spring and Palmer Streets attempting to turn onto U.S. 17. Additionally, this would eliminate the ability to turn left onto Walnut Street from U.S. 17.

This plan would coincide and collaborate with the Green Cove Springs Downtown Master Plan, which aims to facilitate traffic movement on northbound U.S. 17 by reducing traffic delays from cars attempting left turns.

Representatives from FDOT and AIM met with residents for an Open House at the Supervisor of Elections to answer questions and address concerns. They presented several display boards that showcased the blueprints. Here, representatives elaborated on the construction in further detail. 

Samantha Rambeau, Community Outreach Specialist with FDOT, presented the proposed modifications and suggested an estimated timeline. Work is projected to begin in early 2025, with completion slated for fall 2026. The timeline is subject to change based on various factors.

Residents didn’t comment when asked if they had any questions following Rambeau’s presentation. However, some expressed concerns.

Meg Miller, who resides on St. Johns Avenue, was worried that implementing these medians would turn Green Cove Springs into a “pass-through” town as cars speed through to Fleming Island or Orange Park.

“I’m concerned that (Green Cove Springs) is going to become a ghost town, and my home value potentially falling is a big deal,” she said.

“The roadway improvements included (in) the project are primarily safety focused,” Rambeau responded. “A traffic study documented several crashes through the corridor over the years, especially rear-end and angle-type crashes. The goal is reducing left turn queues from exceeding capacity, to help in reducing the potential for rear-end crashes as drivers line up in the travel lanes.”

FDOT also provided alternative ways for residents to submit public comments. Written statements can be sent to Lenny DeAngelo, Project Manager for the FDOT, by mail at 2198 Edison Ave. in Jacksonville or via email at Lenny.DeAngelo@DOT.State.FL.US.

The deadline for submitting those comments is Nov. 10, which will become part of the project record.