PANAMA CITY BEACH — One of Bay County’s few gateways to the Beach will be getting a touch-up in the coming years, and state officials Tuesday night heard feedback for the plans.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials hosted a public hearing Tuesday concerning improvements to the intersection of State 79 and Back Beach Road (U.S. 98). Dominating the meeting was a formal presentation of plans for the bustling intersection, which is slated for reconstruction in summer 2016.
A little more than a dozen citizens appeared for the introductory public hearing, and the reception was mostly positive, according to FDOT officials.
The most significant two improvements to the intersection would regard east-bound traffic along Back Beach Road. During high-volume seasons, traffic can accumulate for massive stretches leading up to its intersection with State 79.
Where a left-turn lane now approaches the intersection, officials discussed widening and an extension of the existing turn lane. This improvement will require a modification to the median access from U.S. 98 at Armstrong Circle, FDOT officials said.
“After a traffic study, we noticed that traffic in the turn lane spilled over onto the highway during peak season, creating a safety issue,” said Tim Barnard, project manager with the FDOT. “Those safety concerns are what spurred the project.”
The right-turn lane also is planned to undergo a transformation into an additional through-lane, and a new eastbound right-turn lane adjacent to the existing turn lane is scheduled to be constructed.
One resident at the meeting expressed concern the project would hamper residents of Armstrong Circle from turning east across Back Beach Road with the extended left-turn lane.
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 onto U.S. 98 to alleviate congestion during peak seasons.
Other improvements include milling and resurfacing the existing lanes. FDOT also plans to perform minor drainage improvements, sidewalk construction, signage and traffic signal upgrades. The project will be constructed within the FDOT right of way. FDOT officials anticipate accepting bids for construction in summer 2016.