Recently, I attended what I thought was a presentation regarding the Clay County planned road construction by the FDOT for the intersection of Wells Road and Blanding Boulevard. I spoke to two different representatives of the FDOT and received conflicting information. The conversation and the maps left me concerned. This project is nothing more than a bad dog with a good name.
First, let us consider northbound traffic on Blanding. The maps noted there have been 69 accidents between the traffic signal after Jacksonville Memorial Gardens and the northbound entrance after the old Sears. However, they could not give me a time frame. The newly planned road construction takes place north of this area.
The new traffic pattern would delete the left turn signal on Wells Road. How many people use this left-turn lane? How many traffic signal cycles does it take for those waiting to turn left? They did not have information about traffic flow. The new traffic pattern, while deleting this northbound traffic signal, adds a U-turn lane 100 yards north of Wells Road. Drivers wishing to turn left on Wells cannot do so; however, they can make a U-turn 100 yards north of the intersection.
So, you won’t have to wait to make a left turn at Wells, but you will wait to make a U-turn 100 yards north of the intersection with a new traffic signal. How does this help anyone? Regarding safety, they assured me that the U-turn signal would have enough room for 18-wheelers and a 65-foot emergency ladder vehicle to make the U-turn. What about the time element for the emergency vehicles to drive further north, make the U-turn and arrive at the intended destination?
Secondly, consider those drivers traveling south. They will now have four traffic signals after Interstate 295 before reaching Wells Road. Two lanes can turn left to access the Orange Park Mall, merge with those turning right from the northbound side, and then merge into one lane before entering the mall. If they wish to shop at the businesses north of Wells Road, they must merge and travel to the next traffic signal to make, you guessed it, a U-turn at, you guessed it, another traffic signal.
Thirdly, those traveling west on Wells Road and wishing to go south towards Middleburg will be required to turn right onto Blanding, cross three lanes within a hundred yards, and make a U-turn at the new traffic signal.
This new road construction project is not only an inconvenience to the citizens of Clay County, but it will also take approximately 20 months to complete. This project will not alleviate traffic congestion and will actually harm the local businesses. You cannot support local businesses on the west side of Blanding, the west side of Wells Road or those on the north side of Wells Road. Westbound traffic on Wells Road cannot go south on Blanding towards Middleburg without going north and making a U-turn.
The number of entrances to the Orange Park Mall will be reduced to three, which is expected to cause further congestion problems. Additionally, businesses in this area generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales tax revenue for the county. If residents cannot access these businesses, sales will be impacted, companies will close, and sales tax revenue will be significantly reduced. Who will suffer as the county's revenue decreases? Who will make up for this loss in county revenue? Where will we shop? Outside of Clay County.
Contact your state elected officials and make your voice heard. This is Clay County, and as citizens, our voices should be heard. Don’t let this bad dog come here.
