PANAMA CITY BEACH — The Florida Department of Transportation will host a public hearing concerning proposed improvements to the intersection of Back Beach Road and State 79 in Panama City Beach.
The hearing is Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the George C. Cowgill City Hall Annex Building, 104 South Arnold Road. There will be an open house beginning at 6 p.m. followed by a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.
FDOT said the hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the proposed widening and extension of the eastbound left-turn lane on U.S 98 (Back Beach Road) to better accommodate left-turning vehicles.
This improvement will require a modification to the median access from U.S. 98 at Armstrong Circle and also proposes converting the existing eastbound right-turn lane into an additional through-lane. A new eastbound right-turn lane adjacent to the existing turn lane will also be constructed.
The proposed improvements to State 79 include shifting the southbound through-lane to the west and striping the pavement to add a left-turn lane to alleviate congestion during peak seasons.
Other improvements include milling and resurfacing the existing lanes, minor drainage improvements, sidewalk construction, signage and traffic signal upgrades.
The project will be constructed within the FDOT right-of-way. Bids for construction are anticipated to be received summer 2016.