The U.S. 331 project is nearing completion. Construction crews have completed the final layer of asphalt between the south end of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge and the U.S. 98 intersection. The roadway has been widened to four lanes. The construction team is finishing work to the median, crossovers and turn lanes which is requiring periodic daytime lane closures restricting traffic to one lane in each direction. Drivers will encounter the daytime lane closures until the end of the project in early 2010.

The project has improved access to businesses on this section of U.S. 331. Most of the driveways were dirt or gravel before the project began. Construction crews are replacing all driveways with asphalt.

"Replacing the dirt and gravel driveways improves drainage and makes it safer for drivers," said Doug Pritchard, the Project Administrator with Genesis CE&I. "It also improves the overall appearance of the roadway and entrance into the business."

The project is scheduled for completion in early 2010.

A new median has been constructed from the U.S. 331-U.S. 98 intersection to the south end of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge. When the project is complete, it will improve traffic flow and safety by limiting left turns to median crossovers. Highway designers refer to the strategy as “access management” and it is a statewide requirement for highways such as U.S. 331.

“Access Management is the careful planning of the location, design and operation of driveways, median openings and street connections,” said Doug Pritchard, the U.S. 331 project administrator from Genesis CE&I Services. “Access along U.S. 331 is being improved using the access management standards that balance safety and mobility issues with access requirements.”

Traffic engineers cite studies that show implementing access management measures helps relieve congestion and reduces vehicle crashes.

Left turns and U-turns are limited to specially designated crossovers. Northbound traffic can only make left turns and/or U-Turns at the following intersections along U.S. 331:

• South Greenway Trail
• Coastal Centre Drive
• North Greenway Trail
• Chat Holley Road

Southbound traffic can only make left turns and/or U-Turns at the following intersections along U.S. 331:

• Near Elmore's Landing location
• Coastal Centre Drive
• South Centre Trail/Sherriff's Drive
• U.S. 98

Access to businesses near the U.S. 98-U.S. 331 intersection has also changed. The new median will no longer allow left turns into or from properties at the intersection.

For more information on FDOT access management strategies click here.

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