FDOT works to ease summertime traffic

As summer has returned, so too have the tourists. Summertime traffic may be an annual headache for visitors and residents alike, but the Florida Department of Transportation has a number of projects in store to help ease congestion.

"The 23rd Street Flyover is nearing completion this fall, which has been a great project to move traffic east and west on US 98 through Bay County," said FDOT Spokesperson Ian Satter. "The widening of 390 in Bay County from 23rd Street to State Road 77 going from two to six lanes is going to provide some significant traffic relief through that area."

Aside from being a headache, increased traffic also leads to more dangerous driving conditions. The hope is that these projects will create a safer driving environment.

"All of the projects that we're working on, the number one thing is that they're going to improve safety through the area," Satter said. "If we can reduce congestion, we're going to improve safety on all of those corridors of course in the future."

Planning on the new "Back Back Beach Road" is still underway.