Traffic Shift for State Road 16 Widening Project Announced

• 9 September 2026
• Category: SJC News Infrastructure
• Tags: 2026

New traffic pattern expected around October 1 as construction advances toward early spring 2027 completion

St. Johns County is preparing to implement a traffic shift on State Road 16 (SR 16) near International Golf Parkway (IGP) as work continues on the SR 16 Widening Project. Beginning around October 1, eastbound traffic will shift onto newly constructed lanes along the approximately quarter-mile section of SR 16 between the AutoZone driveway and 7-Eleven. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video explaining the upcoming traffic shift and highlighting the project’s progress.

Drivers turning right from IGP onto SR 16 will be required to stop before turning because westbound traffic will travel in the right lane. This stop requirement will remain in place following completion of the widening project.

Variable message boards and temporary traffic signs will be posted to help drivers navigate the new traffic pattern. The traffic shift will not change access to AutoZone or 7-Eleven.

“The upcoming traffic shift marks an important step forward for the SR 16 Widening Project,” said Valerie Pacetti, Project Manager for St. Johns County Public Works. “We encourage drivers to pay close attention to the temporary signage and use caution as they become familiar with the new traffic pattern.”

Once traffic is shifted onto the newly constructed lanes, the contractor will begin reconstructing the two existing lanes of SR 16. Those lanes will serve as the new eastbound travel lanes when construction is complete.

The SR 16 Widening Project is adding two travel lanes from IGP to just beyond County Road 2209. The improvements are designed to support traffic flow and mobility along the corridor, particularly during peak travel periods near IGP and Pacetti Road.

Construction began July 26, 2025, and the project is approximately 70% complete. Completion of the entire project is anticipated in early spring 2027.

“We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of residents and motorists as we work to safely complete these improvements,” Pacetti said.

This project supports the St. Johns County Strategic Plan by investing in infrastructure, public safety and effective service delivery while improving mobility for residents. To learn more about ongoing and completed Capital Improvement Projects throughout St. Johns County, visit the County’s Featured Projects webpage.