‘We understand your frustrations’: Clay County responds to construction complaints

CLAY COUNTY, Fla — UPDATE 7:48 a.m. 6/8- Clay County’s spokesperson gave the following statement:

“County leaders, CCFR, CCSO, and county engineers met Wednesday to discuss community input to the traffic plan. Those proposed solutions were vetted by the team for possible implementation. Overall, safety has been the driving force behind the decisions made. We’ve added additional signage and CCSO will have increased law enforcement presence to help direct traffic at the Sandridge and Russell intersection at peak commuter times. As a reminder, there is no access to Henley Road from Sandridge.

The areas that are closed were determined by county leaders, CCFR, CCSO, and county engineers based on the project scope and time, and, most importantly, safety. Emergency vehicles have predetermined routes to area emergencies. We continue to stress that drivers be patient, go the speed limit, pay attention to signage, and avoid the area if possible. Know we’re doing all we can to make this a quick and safe project. This necessary road closure is very fluid and is continually evaluated. As work is completed or issues/concerns arise, the team will evaluate and adjust the road closure as necessary. Stay tuned to this page for updates.”

—  Clay County Government

Clay County Government has responded to multiple complaints surrounding the road closures and construction on Sandridge Road.

Clay stated, “understand your frustrations over the road closures surrounding the Sandridge Road project. Our goal is to finish this project as quickly and effectively as possible. If you don’t have to drive in the area, please find an alternate route.”

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Clay County staff, CCFR and CCSO leadership, and project managers worked on the original traffic plan, but say that after some major safety concerns were raised, the team had to revise the plan early Monday afternoon so that it would be able to go into effect Tuesday.

Clay wants to also remind drivers in the area that it is illegal to go around roadway barricades and barricades bordering a construction zone are there for safety purposes.

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County crews also added more message boards to the area to direct drivers ahead of the construction.

Community members can email concerns Commissioner Kristen Burke at Kristen.burke@claycountygov.com or Sheriff Michelle Cook at sheriff@claysheriff.com and they will relay your comments to the multiagency team overseeing this traffic plan.

Related read: Clay County working to increase safety amidst construction

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