Four New Traffic Signals Coming to Scenic 30A

A right turn lane from Watersound Pkwy onto 30A is needed to keep traffic flowing

Right (and left) turn lanes are needed almost everywhere and seem to have been deemed a luxury rather than a need. A good example of how we could be using tourist tax dollars to improve visitor experience AND residents' quality of life.

It seems the M.O. is to do the minimum install, which is usually inadequate, and then add stuff later. I guess that is due to tight budgets and the hopes of perpetual employment.

It's one thing if it's an inconvenience but I've seen a lot of hazardous situations because of it - like turn lanes on Hwy 98 that are too short causing cars to pile up on the unpaved shoulder. And drivers who create their own turn lanes on shoulders and medians.

Right (and left) turn lanes are needed almost everywhere and seem to have been deemed a luxury rather than a need. A good example of how we could be using tourist tax dollars to improve visitor experience AND residents' quality of life.

It seems the M.O. is to do the minimum install, which is usually inadequate, and then add stuff later. I guess that is due to tight budgets and the hopes of perpetual employment.

It's one thing if it's an inconvenience but I've seen a lot of hazardous situations because of it - like turn lanes on Hwy 98 that are too short causing cars to pile up on the unpaved shoulder. And drivers who create their own turn lanes on shoulders and medians.

You are so right.. all of your points have been communicated by countless residents and visitors in Walton County to the people who represent us. It falls on deaf ears… This county has the money to add turn lanes and lights etc. They are reactive and move like turtles when they do decide to do something..don’t even get me started on the waste of 5 million dollars for the tunnel debacle on 98 at 30Avenue. that money should’ve been spent on all the things we are talking about here .

don’t even get me started on the waste of 5 million dollars for the tunnel debacle on 98 at 30Avenue. that money should’ve been spent on all the things we are talking about here .

Doesn't make much sense unless you own the shopping center or the Donut Hole. Or if you are the contractor.

Or a troll.

All of these had public meetings for input, that would have been a good time to request these things. Keep in mind the light at 30A and Camp Creek is still temporary and not the final install.

One of the reasons that we have what is viewed as "inadequate" infrastructure is reactionary requests from the public during the heaviest of tourist influxes or after a death or tragic accident. The county has to build for all 365 days a year and not infrequent or noted times and dates.

The underpass in Inlet was paid primarily from FDOT and TDC monies IIRC.

Trolls prefer facebook these days.

Shouldn’t we expect engineers and numerous traffic studies to provide things be done correctly the first time? Why is a meeting request necessary for common sense? The intersection at 98 and watersound is a prime example of absurdity. Watersound has a shared straight lane with a left turn lane, opposed by a separate left turn lane and straight lane. It is a complete cluster. When your son or daughter is learning to drive, how do you approach that? Close your eyes and go! It’s so poorly designed that the county is withholding all permit approvals of St Joe to require the fix of adding another lane to south side of watersound (they are responsible for that interception).

Shouldn’t this be designed correctly he first time. Again, Meetings don’t fix common sense

Shouldn’t we expect engineers and numerous traffic studies to provide things be done correctly the first time? Why is a meeting request necessary for common sense? The intersection at 98 and watersound is a prime example of absurdity. Watersound has a shared straight lane with a left turn lane, opposed by a separate left turn lane and straight lane. It is a complete cluster. When your son or daughter is learning to drive, how do you approach that? Close your eyes and go! It’s so poorly designed that the county is withholding all permit approvals of St Joe to require the fix of adding another lane to south side of watersound (they are responsible for that interception).

Shouldn’t this be designed correctly he first time. Again, Meetings don’t fix common sense

You literally picked one of the few private main roads in all of Walton County. JOE is entirely responsible for that road as it's a private road. They could gate it if they wanted to. Why does every road need a seperate lane for left, right and straight through traffic?

The county is holding no permit approvals from JOE, do you know what you are talking about?

Teach your kids the rules of the road and most of your issues are solved.

Haha. Would not have expected anything less from you.

Haha. Would not have expected anything less from you.

I read that as, "I have no real argument and only come here to complain"

I read that as, "I have no real argument and only come here to complain"

Yup. You win

Yup. You win

It's not about winning, but improving the situation.

It's not about winning, but improving the situation.

Is that what you feel like you're doing on all these disparate threads? Improving the situation?

You literally picked one of the few private main roads in all of Walton County. JOE is entirely responsible for that road as it's a private road. They could gate it if they wanted to. Why does every road need a seperate lane for left, right and straight through traffic?

The county is holding no permit approvals from JOE, do you know what you are talking about?

Teach your kids the rules of the road and most of your issues are solved.

Actually, he’s correct Matt. According to a email correspondence I had with Chance Powell, our traffic engineer, late last year:

“Walton County is responsible for the maintenance of the signal through a contract with FDOT. Now that FDOT has conducted the study and recommendations were made, Walton County will require St. Joe to implement the recommendations before proceeding with new development orders. Since the study was received by our department we have requested the Walton County Planning Department add a conditional approval for all future request by St. Joe to construct the needed changes to the intersection of Watersound Parkway/US 98 intersection. The recommendations of the study is to add a third lane to the northbound approach and modify the signal phasing for protected lefts at the north and southbound approaches of Watersound Parkway.”

Although I’m not familiar with the details I do know that these improvements have been finalized and are scheduled to take place in the near future.

Matt, I can assure you that teaching our kids the rules of the road does not solve any safety issues caused by poor design.

Blue Mountain Beach Road (83) and Scenic 30A, Grayton Road (283) not far behind.

Blue Mountain Beach Road (83) and Scenic 30A, Grayton Road (283) not far behind.

View attachment 100629

Yep. Slow going on 83. Nice to see someone doing something there in your picture. We are really looking forward to the finish!

Blue Mountain Beach Road (83) and Scenic 30A.

Blue Mountain Beach Road (83) and Scenic 30A.

View attachment 102183

Still not operational. They've been "working" on it for months.

Need a right-turn lane heading south on Watersound Pkwy on to 30A. Traffic backs up to the new WS Camp Creek entrance on incoming visitors' days.

Need a right-turn lane heading south on Watersound Pkwy on to 30A. Traffic backs up to the new WS Camp Creek entrance on incoming visitors' days.

Thank God we don't plan our infrastructure around check-in time.

Blue Mountain light is operational with pedestrian crossing signs. Going to take some getting used to!