ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Traffic congestion in St. Johns County has become a widespread frustration for residents, prompting county officials to take action.
Following the opening of Bass Pro Shops and the announcement of a new Walmart, officials moved Tuesday to push critical road improvement projects forward for state and federal funding.
The proposed project focuses on adding a ramp that would connect I-95 to the Commerce Center Loop, a move aimed at easing traffic in the heavily congested World Golf Village area, and would cost about $40 million.
Residents have described the situation as overwhelming, with some expressing how urgent the improvements are to daily life. The sentiment in the room made clear that for many, relief cannot come soon enough.
St. Johns County Commissioner Ann Taylor emphasized the need for action, noting this is a prime opportunity to improve the community’s infrastructure and address long-standing traffic challenges.
“We have an opportunity now to do something right for our community,” Taylor said.
The county commission’s efforts to obtain funds include moving this ramp project into the Top 5 priority list, an important step for it to be recognized by the state. Representative Kim Kendall stressed the competitive nature of the process, saying that without making that list, the project likely has no chance of becoming a reality, adding that state officials evaluate more than 300 similar projects statewide.
The project was eventually deemed “5A” on the priority list, which means St. Johns County officials can begin securing funding to bring the project to fruition.
County officials are seeking to secure $32 million in federal funds and $8 million in state funds to make the ramp a reality, but they face tight competition in a state budget where every dollar is closely watched.
Meanwhile, construction on other critical road projects, such as improvements to State Road 16, continues to address growing traffic demands in one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties.