MILTON — Drivers have long awaited the completion of the roadwork to Avalon Boulevard and Interstate-10. The project began in June 2015.
The purpose of this project is to widen the travel lanes on Interstate 10 from four to six lanes, according to Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson Tanya Branton.
THE QUESTION
“I do not want to appear to be nuisance, but I would simply appreciate any efforts you may be able take to expedite the subject project (41306235201).
The website still is showing a completion date of Fall, 2018, which clearly is not the case. I made three round trips over this section of construction yesterday and I did not observe a single worker.
As I have indicated earlier, this project negatively impacts thousands of travelers daily. Please provide an updated and realistic completion date. Thank you for your consideration.” – John Wiley, Milton
THE ANSWER
Branton said in an email that beginning Sept. 16, crews will shift northbound traffic on Avalon Boulevard at I-10 and begin constructing new median traffic separators, anticipated to be complete the first part of October. Branton said once this is complete, traffic will be placed into its final configuration.
“To help decrease traffic congestion and minimize delays, the majority of work on the project takes place at night between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” Branton said.
Branton said the project was granted additional time due to weather impacts, holidays, and added work items needed.
“At this time, contract time will expire in the fall,” Branton said. “However, the Department is looking at an early 2019 completion.”
She said that if the contractor, Prince Contracting, LLC, does not complete the work within the scheduled contract time frame, the state has the right to collect liquidated damages for each calendar day until the work is completed. She said the FDOT continues to encourage the contractor to make best use of time and resources.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: FDOT says early 2019 for Avalon Blvd completion