Motorists and residents should brace for construction delays as the next chapter unfolds on County Road 220. Come January 20, 2025, crews will be out in force, commencing Phase 2 of a major lane-widening and reconstruction project expected to stretch 16 months into the future. The upgrade aims to transform the current road into a four-lane thoroughfare from east of Chief Ridaught Trail to Knight Boxx Road, including the construction of a new four-lane bridge over Little Black Creek. Not to be overlooked, signal updates at Knight Boxx Road and Blanding Boulevard are on the docket to alleviate the all-too-familiar traffic snarls.
Ensuring a semblance of normalcy for local commerce and daily routines, all properties along the construction zone will maintain full access. This commitment, according to Clay County government's announcement, demonstrates a concerted effort to mitigate the impact of roadwork on businesses and residents. But make no mistake, detours will be a reality. Eastbound traffic on County Road 220 at the Baxley Road intersection will face a rerouting north on Baxley Road, then east on State Road 21, and circling back south on Knight Boxx Road.
Similarly, the westbound dance will have drivers detoured north onto Henley Road, taking right turns at the intersection's northeast corner onto State Road 21, and finally south onto Baxley Road to rejoin County Road 220. These detours, while necessary, will undoubtedly add layers to the local travel tapestry.
Preparation for this project involved extensive collaboration. The County claims to have worked closely with emergency responders and the school district to draft a plan that could balance the inevitable construction woes with the community's needs for uninterrupted emergency services and education. Future updates on the project's progress or changes to the traffic patterns will be communicated as they come in, ensuring that residents and drivers can stay informed and adjust their routines accordingly.
