GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Residents peered at large boards with renditions of the First Coast Expressway and discussed the new road’s features with contractors and government officials at the Clay County Supervisor of Elections office Tuesday afternoon.

The Florida Department of Transportation hosted a community meeting on the First Coast Expressway’s second phase southern portion from just north of State Road 16 to the Shands Bridge.

Costing about $180 million, construction begins in April and the estimated completion date is in 2026. The segment is 11 miles and includes an overpass at County Road 15, a new interchange at U.S. 17 and a complex diverging diamond interchange at State Road 16 and Henley Road.

“It’s a continuation of the north project, it’s the next segment to get us closer to the river,” FDOT spokeswoman Sarah Pleasants said. “For the diverging diamond interchange, it will be the first in Clay County.”

The third phase features a rebuild of the Shands Bridge and connects the expressway to I-95. It’s expected to begin construction by 2023.

FDOT held a meeting in Lake Asbury last month relating to Clay County’s northern portion of the project, which connects S.R. 21 to S.R. 16. Overall phase two has four tolls. In Clay County, a section from I-10 to S.R. 23, also with four tolls, was finished last fall.

Like last month’s meeting, some residents were wary of the change the First Coast Expressway would bring to the area while others were enthused.

Wayne Raulerson, who lives near C.R. 209, has lived in Clay County since 1968. He was appreciative of the FDOT’s question and answer format, where he could learn more information.

“I remember moving out here soon after they built the [Black Creek] bridge, but you used to have to get across by ferry. It was Rideout Ferry. I know everything is coming this way. I just liked the way it was,” Raulerson said. “[The meeting] does give you a good example of what it’s going to look like. I think it’s good they did this.”

Echoing Raulerson’s statement, Ann Turner said she was annoyed by the expressway coming so close to where she lives in Lake Asbury. She gave the FDOT representative a thorough questioning.

“Why didn’t they take it through the woods somewhere?” Turner asked.

Clay County is growing rapidly, and Cindy Bates has already seen part of it. She just moved over from Middleburg to Magnolia Point in Green Cove Springs.

“I’m excited [for the First Coast Expressway] because I saw what happened in Middleburg with all the new business, growth and opportunities, Bates said. “I’m excited for Green Cove Springs because I think it could use a little bump.”

For more information about tolls or how to buy a SunPass, visit sunpass.com.