FDOT evaluates alternatives to alleviate traffic congestion on Race Track Road, Philips Highway intersection

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working on a project study to evaluate alternatives that would alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety at the intersection of Race Track Road and US 1, also known as Philips Highway.

The intersection, which is at the Duval County and St. Johns County line, has been the center of heavy congestion during peak hours, according to FDOT. In fact, the intersection received a level of Service F during peak hours, which means it’s failing when it comes to traffic congestion.

According to FDOT, the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study is specifically looking into possible changes that could improve safety and traffic flow such as median openings, interchanges, driveway openings and traffic signals.

The proposal would include adding more movement to Race Track Road.

In 2023, News4JAX talked to several residents in the Wells Creek subdivision who described this intersection as a “daily headache.” They also said there are constant crashes in the area and they hope a traffic light will solve that problem.

FDOT’s presentation on the project study mentions these improvements are necessary as the area’s population keeps growing.

The population of St. Johns County has been increasing and is projected to increase from 190,039 in 2010 to 422,755 in 2045. This growth will result in busier roads, including this intersection, FDOT said.

“I’ve lived in this area the past 15 years in Nocatee and there’s been a lot of change especially in the last four to five years, and that’s– it’s more than doubled to get through that, when I leave for work and when I come back from work,” Nocatee resident David Mordecai said.

Another resident said getting through that intersection can take more than one would expect — or want.

“Selfishly my nail appointment is right up the road so I can tell you that just last week it took me 35 mintues to get from my neighborhood to my nail appointment and it should only take me about seven,” Jacksonville resident Kirby Keller said.

Mordecai and Keller say the traffic on this road can be unreal at times.

Both say, it wasn’t always this busy, but in the last few years, it’s become progressively worse with more people moving in the area.

Mordecai said he appreciates FDOT trying to solve this problem.

Keller said she does as well, but she doesn’t think these changes are going to help an area that’s continuously growing.

“With how fast everything is growing, we see these apartment complexes pop up in two months it’s a little frustrating seeing FDOT can’t move a little bit faster. I am someone who likes things done five minutes ago so it’s a little hard to please my expectations,” Keller said.

This project is estimated to cost over $10 million — construction could start in 2027.

But that all could change.

Anyone who has comments about this proposal should reach out to FDOT by Feb. 19 so they know how you feel.