Race Track Road to be widened from 2 to 4 lanes

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Years of tremendous growth have finally caught up to the Julington Creek area of St. Johns County, forcing the widening of heavily traveled Race Track Road.

On Tuesday, the board of county commissioners approved the contract for the company that will do the work.

Several new developments are either under construction or near completion near Race Track Road. It’s a growth that 13-year Julington Creek resident Mike Mulvey has witnessed firsthand.

“Depending on the times of the day, the mornings can be tough and the afternoons, if you're coming from Philips Highway, there's a lot traffic,” said Mulvey.

Commissioner James Johns, who represents the area, said work has already started.

Johns said it's his understanding the contractor that was hired has started working on the project.

"They cleared the woods. They've started laying utilities," Johns said.

The first phase of the project will widen the area between St. Johns Parkway to around Veterans Parkway for more than $4.1 million.

“The next contract for actually constructing the road way is expected to be approved any day now,” said Johns.

Many drivers are used to bottlenecks during peak hours when there is heavy traffic in tight areas of the road where there are only two lanes.

Johns said the biggest challenge is managing the rate of growth.

“They're anxious so they can have four lanes from the west end of Race Track Road down Race Track to CR 2209 south on 2209 and then onto 9B when it's completed by the (Florida Department of Transportation),” said Johns.

The second phase remains unfunded.

County leaders said the goal is to finish widening Race Track Road before FDOT finishes its extension of 9B to St. Johns Parkway.

Neighbors believe it’s a project that’s long overdue.

“Anything that can be done to alleviate the traffic and congestion would be fantastic,” said Mulvey.

County leaders hope to have all the work completed by 2018.

The county is creating a Facebook page named "Project Race Track," as well as a Twitter account with the handle @ProjectRTR, so residents can stay updated with the progress. A county spokesperson said the social media accounts will be up and running Friday.

Cox Media Group