Here's where Palm Coast will add new turn lanes in 2024

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author in his personal capacity and do not necessarily represent the opinions or the views of the City of Palm Coast or the Palm Coast City Council.

Question from Pat Barile: I have mentioned in the past at a city meeting that the turning lanes need to be extended in many areas. There’s one on Palm Coast Parkway, turning onto Pine Lakes Parkway, which is so short that we are stuck out in the left lane because there’s not enough room in the turning lane. There are also the turning lanes on Belle Terre going south, turning onto Parkview. There’s always a lot of traffic because of the two schools, and, again, we are left out in the left lane because there’s not enough room in the turning lane. That’s only two examples. Are there any plans to extend the lanes?

Mayor David Alfin: Hello, Pat — I’m pleased to hear from you again! This time, we are discussing turn lanes – and I assure you that wherever possible, City Council will be addressing this topic in several areas across Palm Coast.

Improving road safety measures is our top priority. And studies have shown that providing right and left turn lanes on city roadways reduces accidents as much as 32%.

Regarding your question about turn lanes on Palm Coast/Pine Lakes Parkways and on Belle Terre Parkway/Parkview Drive – the timing at these intersections currently meets our level of service adopted by City Council.

However, we are most certainly aware of the changing needs in our community to constantly scrutinize traffic conditions and these are two locations that we must consider. Staff is presently seeking FDOT grants to conduct intersection studies in order to address issues such as this.

Meanwhile, we do have certain turn lanes projects that will begin in 2024:

1. Adding numerous turn lanes on Whiteview Parkway, with about $1.4 funding from FDOT.

2. Improving, adding, or extending turn lanes on Belle Terre Parkway at Pritchard Drive, Whippoorwill Dr, Whiteview Parkway, Pine Grove Drive., Ponce Deleon Dr., Pleasant Dr and Royal Palms Parkway. We have $4.5 from State funding for this project.

3. Extending left turn lanes and signal improvements on Whiteview and Royal Palms.

4. Looking at the Pine Lakes Intersection traffic signal to modify the signal timing/operation to assist with left turn lane movement. This project is not part of any grant funding, but it is something we are continuing to monitor on our watch list to seek grant funding as part of our long-range capital improvement plan.

Thank you for making us aware of your turn lane issues on Palm Coast and Belle Terre Parkways. I do appreciate your sharing concerns and reaching out for answers to your questions. I wish you a very peaceful holiday.