Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. as well as other state and local partners in Panama City to celebrate the completion 23rd Street Flyover project. The $67.9 million project is part of a continuing effort by FDOT to improve safety, ease corridor congestion, and enhance mobility within the region.
“The 23rd Street Flyover interchange is critical for so many families in the area which includes Port Panama City, a college, a university, and the millions of visitors who come from around the world to visit our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today’s celebration has been long-awaited and will provide lasting economic benefits to this community.”
“The 23rd Street Flyover project reduces congestion and will most definitely make this crucial interchange and the surrounding area safer,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “The addition of the multi-modal features of this project, including bicycle lanes and sidewalks, will also provide greater mobility options for all road users in the region.”
The project improves access for regional partners including Port Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, and the Panama City Campus of Florida State University. Additionally, the project widened the entrance to Port Panama City, which will accommodate semi-truck traffic and increase economic growth in the area.
The 23rd Street Flyover project is one mile in length, from the east end of the Hathaway Bridge to west of Michigan Avenue, and elevates U.S. 98 over Seaport Drive, Collegiate Drive, 23rd Street, and the Bay Line Railroad. Motorists can now cross over the Bay Line Railroad without having to stop for trains, eliminating the need for some traffic signals.
Additional enhancements include bicycle lanes, sidewalks, drainage upgrades, an improved intelligent transportation system, signalization upgrades, utility relocation, lighting, new signage, and minor side road improvements.
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