BRYCEVILLE, Fla. – A multi-million-dollar roadway resurfacing and safety improvement project on County Road 121 in Bryceville is finally underway, bringing both relief and concerns to locals who say they’ve waited years for these crucial updates.
While some residents expressed satisfaction that their voices are finally being heard by Nassau County officials, many question why the improvements didn’t begin sooner.
The project, which carries a total cost of over $32 million, includes state funding of approximately $18 million.
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“It got dangerous,” said Rocky Lynne, a Bryceville resident. “It got patched up 20 years ago or so, they’d redone it. And once again, the county (Nassau) did not keep up with it.”
Construction began in October, though residents report significant work didn’t commence until after Thanksgiving.
“Really slow. We couldn’t find workers out there,” said local Roberta Miller.
The slow start prompted concerns, which project superintendent Burt Stevens addressed. Stevens, who joined the project after 110 days had already elapsed, promises swift progress moving forward.
“Within six weeks, I would say, we’d have it paved back,” Stevens told News4JAX.
The construction has also created significant disruptions for the rural community. A Bryceville resident named Sonia told News4JAX that semi-trucks will come through the area during early morning hours, which can sometimes make it hard for residents to get sleep.
According to Nassau County officials, the project faces challenges in maintaining road access while adhering to required safety protocols.
The next phases of improvements to County Road 121, north of 119, remain in the design phase and won’t begin until phase one is completed.
The entire project will reportedly take around two years to complete. Despite the extended timeline, residents remain optimistic.
As Rocky Lynne puts it, “It’ll be worth it if it’s done right.”