Amelia Island Parkway & Buccaneer Trail Roundabout – Nassau County Provides Phase Two Update

The County understands that construction at the Amelia Island Parkway & Buccaneer Trail roundabout may be frustrating, especially during Phase 2.

The County is actively working with local law enforcement partners and the City of Fernandina Beach to improve travel times for the northbound afternoon commute from the south end of the island. Based on field observations and monitoring, southbound travel to the south end along Fletcher has seen limited delays and is operating as intended.

This is a friendly reminder: Using the posted detour routes provides a real benefit for everyone. Additional signage and message boards have been installed to help guide drivers in the area.

WHEN EVERYONE FOLLOWS THE ASSIGNED PATH:

• The primary detour via Sadler Road helps keep northbound traffic flowing smoothly. The roundabout at Sadler and Fletcher allows continuous movement.
• The Simmons Road / 14th Street alternate often provides quicker access for local residents in that area.

Currently, drivers attempting to turn left onto Bill Melton Road from northbound Fletcher are creating long backups. These add 20+ extra minutes during afternoon peak hours (1–6 pm), with queues sometimes extending south past the AIP/Fletcher intersection to, and beyond, the Harris Teeter area.

THE MORE DRIVERS WHO USE THE ASSIGNED DETOUR, THE BETTER IT GETS FOR EVERYONE

• A 30% increase in drivers using the primary Sadler Road detour can reduce travel time by up to 6 minutes from points south of the AIP/Fletcher intersection.
• A 50% increase can provide up to a 10-minute reduction in travel times.

This means:

• Less time sitting in traffic
• Fewer delays getting home, to work, or to the beach
• Safer intersections for all motorists and pedestrians
• Faster progress on a safer, modern roundabout that will benefit the community for years to come

Phase 2 Construction Progress
Activities completed the week of March 30:

• AIP roadway surface milled for repaving and demolition of areas outside the future alignment
• TB Landmark completed pre-installation pipe welds for the Chesapeake Gas line relocation
• TB Landmark performed pressure testing
• TB Landmark began drilling for the new gas main along the east and south sides of the intersection

Activities scheduled for the week of April 6:

• City of Fernandina Beach to begin relocation of the water main
• TB Landmark to continue gas main relocation activities

Once all utilities are safely relocated and backfilled, MAER Construction will install new pipe and drainage structures at former utility conflict points and continue progress toward reopening Buccaneer Trail.

The County thanks you for continued patience and cooperation. Every driver who follows the signed detour helps keep traffic moving for the entire island. Updates will continue as additional improvements are made to the detour route and traffic flow.