Bay County approves FDOT agreement for $15 million project to realign Star Avenue

PANAMA CITY — A long-awaited roadway improvement project is around the corner for a busy intersection in Bay County.

The Bay County Commission on Tuesday approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation and Panama City to realign Star Avenue with U.S. 231 and create a smoother flow of traffic in the area.

"That intersection, as we all know, is a mess (with) all those roads coming together and then going through a red light," Commissioner Tommy Hamm said. "I'm glad to see (the project) coming through finally. It takes a long time for this stuff to transpire, and it's just another great use of the sales-tax money."

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According to Keith Bryant, chief infrastructure officer of Bay County, it will cost about $2.7 million to design the project and purchase right-of-way. Construction will then be about $12.5 million.

Through the agreement approved Tuesday, Bay County and Panama City will both fund $2 million, and the FDOT will cover the rest. Bryant noted the county's portion will be funded by surtaxes.

He also said plans call for Star Avenue to be realigned with U.S. 231 at Titus Road.

"The agreement provides for transfer of local match funding for the project to FDOT, and the state will manage the design and construction of the project," Bryant said.

Kohen Johns Brannon, a spokesperson for FDOT, said in addition to improving the flow of vehicles, the development also is important because traffic accidents often occur in the area.

"We as a department ... are always looking (to improve) safety and reduce the number of crashes at any intersection, and this one especially," Johns Brannon said. "This particular intersection being offset the way it is right now has been something the department has been looking (to fix) for quite a while."

Construction proposals will be accepted toward the end of 2024.

Once construction breaks ground, it will take about two years to complete.

"I think the general public is going to be really happy to have that realignment done," Johns Brannon said. "It's going to make it safer to get in and out of that intersection, (and drivers) are going to be able to see better. ... It's just going to be better and safer for everyone."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: FDOT agreement to realign Star Avenue approved by Bay County Commission