ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — A plan to make part of Atlantic Beach safer for cyclists and pedestrians could impact drivers' commutes.
The Florida Department of Transportation's idea to make Mayport Road more pedestrian-friendly would be to cut a lane from each direction and add a 12-foot shared-use path with a buffer to one side and a bicycle lane to the other.
“We believe this will help improve the overall transportation options that people have throughout the corridor," said FDOT Spokesperson Hampton Ray. "That buffered element really does help when it comes to the safety of people on the roadway.”
In order to do it, FDOT would cut the six-lane stretch of Mayport Road from Atlantic Boulevard to Dutton Island Road down to four lanes.
“By essentially eliminating a lane of thru traffic for motorists, does lower the speed limit. Whenever you are able to lower speed on a roadway, that does increase safety,” Ray said.
Of course, by eliminating lanes, cars are inherently going to have less room to space out.
“We’ve studied this corridor and have determined there won’t be any impacts to – it won’t create congestion," said Ray. "We’re doing some intersection improvements that will help alleviate any congestion points that might occur as a result of the lane repurposing.”
FDOT is still looking for feedback, but if they move forward, construction likely won’t start until next fall.
The community has a few chances to weigh in on this idea.
The first is Monday, Dec. 2 on a virtual town hall from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
The second is Wednesday, Dec 4, in person at Atlantic Beach City Hall, also from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
To find more information on the project, click here.