Officials cut the ribbon on the Girvin Road project Thursday morning signaling its completion.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority says Hurricane Matthew and Irma slowed down construction on the road, dragging out the project for three years.
But those, like Daniel Barr,s who live in the area say it was well worth the wait.
Barrs, who has lived near the road for 28 years with his wife, said the improvement project has made the area safer with the added center turn lanes, bike lanes and a new traffic light.
“It’s eased traffic and now everything is flowing smoothly. We ride our bikes this way. We walk this way. We’re just thrilled to have it,” said Barrs.
Construction to widen Girvin Road began in March 2016. JTA says it started the project as a way to cut down the number of crashes and traffic deaths.
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“By putting in the turn lanes to make sure that residents who want to turn in to their subdivision or turn out of their subdivision, they’re able to do it from a lane and not have cars backing up or rushing around them or trying to get around them,” said Nate Ford, CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
The project called for widening the roadway to five lanes between Atlantic Boulevard and Ashley Melisse Boulevard, as well as three lanes between Ashley Melisse and McCormick Road.
Barrs said now that the road is complete he’s not forced to turn around when traffic gets too backed up.
“We were coming off of Joeandy, we couldn’t get out, but now I say thank God for that red light,” said Barrs.
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