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Buccaneer Trail to get $1.8M roundabout makeover
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners has approved construction to build a multi-lane roundabout at one of Amelia Island’s busiest and most congested intersections: Amelia Island Parkway and Buccaneer Trail.
The intersection is a major gateway for residents, resort traffic, cyclists, and beachgoers, and remains one of the island’s highest-volume locations. County engineering documents show estimated design-year traffic volumes exceeding 19,700 daily trips. The roundabout is designed for a 25-mph operating speed and includes modern crosswalks, splitter islands, and lighting to improve nighttime visibility.
According to the Capital Projects Management Department, the roundabout project includes:
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Embankment work to adjust roadway profile
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Roadside swales, multiple new cross-drain and side-drain installations
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Lime rock base and asphalt pavement
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New pavement markings, signage, and roadway lighting
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Construction of a truck apron, architectural pavers, and shared-use path connections
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Placement of performance turf (sod) and other landscape restoration
The contract establishes a 170-calendar-day construction period after issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
County staff state that the roundabout will “enhance safety and visibility at the intersection and reduce maintenance costs to the Road Department.”
Motorists can expect staged traffic shifts, temporary closures on Buccaneer Trail, and active construction near the existing shared-use path. County officials note that pedestrian and bicycle access must be maintained throughout, per the Traffic Control Plans.
Comments
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SAKess
This is good news. That intersection sorely needs a roundabout. But what's the deal with the drawing at the beginning of the article? It shows 5 entrances/exits at the intersection. The intersection in question has only 3.
Also, the intersection just north of this one, at Via Del Rey, seriously needs a roundabout as well. If turning onto the Parkway from Via Del Rey, coming from the east, visibility of traffic coming from the left (south) is very limited. And traffic coming from that direction is often moving quite fast.
Thursday, December 11, 2025 Report this
Mark Tomes
A roundabout for this intersection is a good idea, but a multi-lane roundabout might be too much for many of our tourons. Usually multi-lane roundabouts are reserved for very large areas; I am not sure there will be much road space to give people time to get in and then exit from their lane. And what about the new bike path? Bikes and pedestrians should take priority in transportation, but this will just make it worse for them, and it seems like it will just stop traffic in what will be a more dangerous place to stop. A bike/ped overpass would be great here, although. they are expensive. Once again, our car culture overrides what should be our preferred focus: bike and pedestrian traffic.
Friday, December 12, 2025 Report this
BPokeNJ
Construction is reported to start in January. There is still ongoing construction for the bike path along Amelia Island Parkway. I read that traffic will be diverted to Fletcher where there is still ongoing utility construction. With the Amelia Concurs coming to town in March, how are they going to coordinate the construction scheduling with the needs for the Car Show traffic control? Last July 31st there was a 3 car accident on Amelia Island Parkway by the Airport and it impacted traffic for hours. The Car Show will undoubtedly have much more traffic. The Island will be in grid lock. On top of that, how will First Responders be able to navigate if needed?
Friday, January 9 Report this