Motorists coming onto and driving off Amelia Island via the Shave Bridge drive over a highway that is crumbling beneath their tires, but the Florida Department of Transportation says the road will not be repaired until 2025.
The road between the bridge and County Road 107, also known as Old Nassauville Road, has come to the end of its service life, according to FDOT spokesperson Hampton Ray. He said FDOT is working to keep the road free of debris.
“We are aware of the situation,” Ray told the News-Leader. “We are looking at asset maintenance, and have contractors that sweep the road at least once a week.”
Sweeping consigned of having a piece of equipment remove the deteriorating layer of the road and vacuuming up the pieces.
However, FDOT has not scheduled the road for repaving until the fall of 2025. He said the repair will require design work which will include rehabilitation of the Shave Bridge.
“Construction projects like this are not like a project in someone’s back yard,” Ray said. “Design work will be required that will include drainage and a rehab of the bridge.
Asked if there was a process for moving up the date of when the road will be repaired, Ray said there are “ongoing conversations to see if it could be advanced,” but that as the plans have meet design and safety criteria, that is not yet known.
“Its challenging, the design and also funding,” he said.
There is a route for motorists whose vehicles have been damaged by the road, Ray said. Vehicle owners can visit FDOT.gov/legal, where there is a link to file a claim.
jroberts@fbnewsleader.com