Alachua County and Santa Fe College invite the public to the kickoff of the Northwest 83rd Street project on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at 10 a.m.
The kickoff will include remarks from county and college representatives and take place at Santa Fe College’s main campus (3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville), on the grass in front of the college bookstore, near the main road between Admin Road and South Road. Snacks and refreshments will be served.
The county has budgeted $4 million for improvements along Northwest 83rd Street as part of its 10-year, $250 million Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP). The roadway is a major thoroughfare for travelers, carrying approximately 12,000 vehicle trips daily.
Planned improvements include:
- Roadway rehabilitation: Milling and resurfacing the existing asphalt pavement and applying new pavement markings.
- Pedestrian improvements: Installing a sidewalk along the east side of the road, repairing the shared-use path on the west side, replacing curb ramps at signalized intersections and installing a raised crosswalk with flashing beacons between Admin Road and NW 31st Ave.
- Traffic signal upgrades: Reconstructing traffic signals at North Road, South Road and NW 23rd Ave., including installing optical vehicle sensors and replacing electronic components.
“These much-needed improvements will enhance roadway conditions and pedestrian infrastructure along a corridor serving Santa Fe College, students and nearby residential communities,” said Public Works Director Ramon Gavarette.
To minimize disruptions to travelers and students, most construction will take place at night, between 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
Concrete work is expected to begin the week of Nov. 9 and take approximately one month. Asphalt work, including construction of the raised crosswalk, is expected to begin the week of Dec. 14 and take approximately three weeks. Traffic signal work is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and take approximately one month, depending on the arrival of equipment and parts.
“I want to thank Alachua County for their commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike,” said President of Santa Fe College Paul Broadie II. “Repaving this road, in addition to new sidewalks, a new raised crosswalk, and reconstruction of traffic signals, will have a significant impact and help traffic flow smoothly, enhance walkability of the area, and improve safety.”
For more information, contact Alachua County Public Works Assistant Director Stuart Cullen at 352-374-5245 or sicullen@alachuacounty.us.
