St. Johns County officials ceremonially broke ground Monday, Aug. 25, on road improvements in the area of the State Road 16-International Golf Parkway (IGP) intersection.
“Today, we break ground on another project that will improve the lives of our residents,” said County Commissioner Sarah Arnold, adding that she drives through the intersection “about 15 times a day.”
With completion expected by the end of 2026, the $24,694,353 project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, among other things.
The project will widen S.R. 16 to four lanes from IGP to the planned intersection with County Road 2209 and has already accommodated construction and modification of stormwater ponds near Tocoi Creek High School and enhancement of drainage infrastructure.
“The goal is always to provide these projects as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Greg Caldwell, county director of public works, acknowledging innovative solutions from the county for early commencement on the drainage portion of the project.
In addition, the project will upgrade the intersection, including a fully actuated traffic signal.
The project is expected to improve access to Tocoi Creek High School, as well as nearby neighborhoods, and benefit economic development.
“Over the next couple of years, it’s going to be tough because of all the traffic and so forth, but I know in the future, it’s going to be great for, not only the community, but our schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brennan Asplen.
The completed project is expected to benefit school-related traffic throughout the area. Asplen named several schools located within a radius of a few miles from the work: Tocoi Creek High School, Mill Creek Academy, Pacetti Bay Middle School and Picolata Crossing and Wards Creek elementary schools.
“It’s going to be a tremendous asset for us and our community when this intersection is complete,” said Asplen.
Funding for the project came from the St. Johns County Transportation Trust Fund, $10.8 million in impact fees, more than $6.4 million from the state Department of Transportation and legislative appropriations in the amount of $7.5 million.
The project is contained within a segment of S.R. 16 from an area just west of the IGP intersection to about 2,300 feet east of the planned intersection with C.R. 2209.
In all, the county is working on 107 projects collectively budgeted at $466.3 million.
The public can follow the progress of the project at sjcfl.us/departments/public-works/engineering.
