Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – In the fall of 2010, the Alachua County Public Works Department will begin construction of three projects to relieve traffic congestion in southwest Gainesville.  The projects are funded through a series of federal transportation earmarks associated with the SW 62^nd Blvd Connector project.  These projects will provide short-term relief to traffic congestion.  

The planning, design and construction of these projects are through a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and City of Gainesville.  The $4.36 million construction contract for the three projects was awarded to D.A.B. Constructors.  JEAces will be providing the Construction, Engineering & Inspection services for these projects at a cost of $661,335. 

The three projects scheduled for construction include:

1.    The addition of turn lanes in the intersection of SW 40^th Blvd and Archer Rd.  A second eastbound to northbound left turn lane will be added on Archer Rd and a southbound right turn lane will be added on SW 40^th Blvd. 

2.    The addition of turn lanes at the intersection of SW 20^th Ave at SW 43^rd St.  A second northbound to westbound left-turn lane will be constructed on SW 43^rd St and other enhancements including construction of bike lanes, sidewalks, a new turnout for eastbound buses, and landscaping will be constructed.

3.    The construction of a Smart Bus Bay on SW 20^th Ave east of SW 38^th Terrace.  This project will provide a new transit stop with shelters for eastbound and westbound buses on SW 20^th Ave.  The project will include a new pedestrian signal to cross SW 20^th Ave.  The bus bay is “smart” since the new signal will be linked to buses through sensors in the roadway and the signal will be used to give priority to buses when they cannot merge into traffic.  The project also includes connections between the signal on SW 20^th Ave at SW 43^rd St and SW 34^th St to improve traffic flow along this corridor.

A fourth project in this area, the design and construction of the four-lane connector from Archer Rd to Newberry Rd east of I-75, will move forward when funding is available and provide long-term congestion relief.  

For more information, contact Ha Nguyen at the Alachua County Public Works Department at 374-5245 ext 1223 or click here.