Windfall to Benefit Jackson County
By: Shelia Mader
Jackson County is set to see major improvements to its roads, bridges, and traffic systems over the next five years. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans to invest more than $4 billion in the Panhandle’s roadways, with roughly $250 million earmarked for Jackson County.
FDOT spokesperson Ian Satter said the five-year tentative work program includes a range of projects, including the replacement of the Chipola River Bridge on U.S. 90 in 2027.
“We’re looking to infuse over $250 million into transportation projects in Jackson County,” Satter said. “The five-year plan is updated annually, and each year we review local needs, safety concerns, and funding availability to prioritize the most critical projects.”
FDOT works closely with local governments and transportation planning organizations to identify priorities. Satter said the department holds public hearings and posts details about proposed projects online.
“We have information by county at nwflroads.com,” he explained. “People can easily find out what projects are planned in their area and how they might be affected.”
The current plan is tentative, pending approval by the Florida Transportation Commission and the state legislature. Once approved, projects move into the funded phase, and residents can follow updates for both active and upcoming work on the same FDOT website.
“Public input is vital,” Satter added. “We’re shaping projects that affect where people live, work, and send their kids to school. We want to deliver the best product possible for Florida’s taxpayers.”
When asked about upcoming traffic signal projects, Satter said FDOT’s traffic operations office studies intersections to determine where improvements are needed.
“Traffic signals help reduce congestion and improve safety,” he said. “We analyze crash data, vehicle movements, and other factors before adding signals.”
Jackson County Administrator Jim Dean said the county works year-round with FDOT to submit and prioritize road projects. “Every year, cities and the county file applications for programs like SCOP, SCRAP, and SIGP,” Dean explained. “FDOT then reviews those requests and develops a tentative five-year plan. This year, they’ve touched every community in Jackson County.”
Dean estimates the total investment for both state and local roads at about $200 million. “Once applications are submitted, FDOT grades and reviews them based on need and safety,” he said. “The legislature doesn’t make those decisions, FDOT does. Hopefully, the tentative work plan will become permanent, allowing us to move forward with needed maintenance and safety improvements.”
Dean said the county typically submits four to six applications each year, aiming to address the most critical road issues in every district. “We try to identify the worst of the worst,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to have had such success with this work plan, and much of that credit goes to our new District Secretary, Tim Smith.”
For residents who want to raise concerns about local roads or bridges, Dean said the best starting point is their county commissioner. “Our staff does a great job monitoring needs, but commissioners usually initiate specific projects,” he said. “Citizens should reach out to them with any concerns.”
Among the tentative projects for 2027 are: Pope Street from River Road to Cemetery Avenue, State Road 71 from County Road Magnolia Road to State Road 10 (U.S. 90), State Road 10 (U.S. 90) west of Woodview Drive to State Road 71 North.
For 2028, one key project includes the resurfacing of River Road from Cox Road to north of Brinson Road.
FDOT and county officials will continue refining and approving projects in the months ahead. The Jackson County Times will publish updates weekly as each project moves forward in the five-year work program.
