GUEST COLUMN: Bury S.R. 313 plan — once and for all. (SAR)

I agree with Mr. Johnson, and have spoken out against this insipid project, which is supported by rebarbative roadbuilders and misguided other-directed elected officials. The project threatens to destroy Twelve Mile Swamp, a national treasure that needs to be included in the St. Augustine National Historical Park and National Seashore.



By Tim Johnson / St. Augustine
Posted Mar 31, 2019 at 2:01 AM

Here we go again. The No. 1 transportation priority for St. Johns County is a 1980s styled boondoggle known as State Road 313. The concept for this project has been around for more than 30 years but has never been close to being fully funded. I wonder why? Is the need really pressing? Evidently not.

Rep. Cyndi Stevenson is requesting $5.2 million to further the S.R. 313 project. As the FDOT notes: “FPI# 210230-2: The southern segment of SR 313 is approximately 4 miles long and begins at S.R. 207 and ends at S.R. 16. Currently the design plans are at 30 percent and design is on hold, right-of-way is ongoing and there is currently no construction funding.”

What will $5.2 million get the county? More designs for a six-lane highway that will culminate in the decimation of wooded areas, marshlands and ponds, while the surrounding areas are devoured by ever-expanding housing developments?


Let’s be clear about the costs. $5.2 million is not going to cover the cost of this ill-placed, poorly conceived autobahn. Estimates over the years have suggested the price will be well over 10 times the amount requested by Rep. Stevenson. Is this where the State Legislature wants to direct funding in the midst of budgetary restraints and the more pressing transportation needs in the northern part of St. Johns County and within the city of St. Augustine? How will this project alleviate traffic concerns in St. Augustine, when more and more people want to get into the city and not around it as the plans for S.R. 313 contends? Over the years many citizens have expressed grave concerns about this project by supporting the “Stop 313” movement. They will continue to do so as long as they continue to believe that reasonable budgetary and environmental arguments will convince elected officials to give up on a project dating back to the 1980s. Nostalgia for 80s music and television shows is understandable, but not for outdated highway plans. We can do better; indeed, much better for the citizens of this marvelous county.