Traffic Delays: Work Begins On Highway 97 To Highway 29 Turn Lane

May 1, 2012

A construction project is now underway to add new turn lane at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 29 in Molino.

Anderson Columbia will construct a right turn lane from southbound Highway 97 to southbound Highway 29.  For the next three months, drivers can expect delays, intermittent lane shifts and closures, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. However, no lane closures will be permitted between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“Drivers are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area, and to use caution, especially at night when driving in work zones,” according to Tanya Sanders Branton, public information specialist for FDOT.

Pictured top: A right turn lane will be constructed here from Highway 97 to southbound Highway 29 in Molino. Pictured below: A contractor unloads drainage pipe for the project Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

13 Responses to “Traffic Delays: Work Begins On Highway 97 To Highway 29 Turn Lane”

  1. billw on May 2nd, 2012 10:05 am

    Could they have waited a Month until that school down the road is out for summer break. A lot of traffic through that intersection is related to school being in session.
    Work could begin in June with a lot less hassle. What is that saying about planning?

  2. 429SCJ on May 2nd, 2012 4:31 am

    It is certainly a remarkable intersection, with a long history of bloody intercepts.

  3. yeah on May 1st, 2012 9:07 pm

    Definitely need a red light, not nearly bad enough now. So lets add the red light runners to the mix.

  4. Molino-Anon on May 1st, 2012 7:36 pm

    Not to mention getting on HWY 29 from 97 both ways you just about need to look behind you to see if a car is coming. It’s just at an awkward angle the way the road intersects with 29. That whole intersection needs to be revamped. It was fine for back in the day when you might pass 10 cars from Molino to Cantonment.

  5. dnutjob1 on May 1st, 2012 4:27 pm

    It needs the entrance to Crabtree moved west at least 300′ , because no matter if there is a light or not, people haul butt off of Hwy29 onto 97 west and if you are trying to turn onto Crabtree you get a car up your butt. Its amazing that the peanut man hasnt been wiped out. If people are in a hurry, (like piling 3 vehicles or more in the middle of the intersection) it is a recipe for disaster. Oh and a flashing red light means STOP! (not using the lane next to the tom thumb as a just slow down and shoot into traffic lane) People do not even stop at the Molino/ 29 intersection anymore they just pull on out onto 29 I guess thinking people will move over? Last time I looked there was a stop sign there too. I hope they do some serious designing for that intersection and that people will use it as designed.

  6. EMD on May 1st, 2012 3:15 pm

    It should be obvious to even a child that a traffic light is needed there, especially since the Tom Thumb was built. It looks like a no-brainer. Am I missing something here?

  7. JSCS on May 1st, 2012 3:08 pm

    YES! We need a light at this very busy intersection. I agree that after looking at all the wrecks and potential for future wrecks a MAJOR study shoud be done to help the traffic flow. A light is really the only solution. Why hasn’t this already been done? There are traffic lights in rural areas all across the U.S.

  8. Molino on May 1st, 2012 2:08 pm

    I agree they should put a light up at that intersection. There are too many fatalities there, not to mention just the fender benders. Why would anyone be against putting a light there? Because we don’t want to build up Molino? Are you kidding me? I’d rather Molino residents survive at that light than worry about us keeping a “Mayberry” reputation.
    Think about this……
    At that light, there are cars trying to;
    1) turn left (from 4 different directions)
    2) turn right (from 4 different directions)
    3) go straight on 97 (crossing 4 lanes of traffic)
    4) go north (from 4 different directions)
    5) go south (from 4 different directions)
    6) pulling out of the Tom Thumb (from 4 different directions)
    7) pulling in to Tom Thumb (from 4 different directions)
    Oh…so now, lets put in a Hardees so we can really cause more issues!! I don’t know whose bright idea that was, but not a very well thought out plan.
    How many directions of traffic does it take to NEED a light?!
    God forbid you get stuck in the median with all this mayhem going on around you. It is NOT safe for ourselves or our children!!

  9. drycreek on May 1st, 2012 9:52 am

    Light or no light, accidents will happen. Look at all the accidents in Pensacola, still have accidents from people not paying attention, they are going to happen and a light might stop it for while but people are going to get comfortable with it and then the accidents will start happening.

    I have been born and raised here and call me old fashioned but I’m not a fan of Molino building up, they have tried for years to build up Century and everything there is closing or for sale, I’m afraid that will happen here sooner or later. And I don’t think just because I don’t want Molino to be built up means I need to move further into the woods.

    I’m not for or against a light.. but I am glad they are adding a turning lane, maybe it will stop everyone from running on the side of the road to pass people who are trying to go straight across or north.

  10. Molino-Anon on May 1st, 2012 8:55 am

    @Country Folk, I’ve lived in Molino my entire life over 40 years since birth. It’s easy for us to say “watch out at that intersection” because MOST of us who have lived here all our lives do.

    Now go tell that to the thousands of vacationers who frequent the intersection heading to the beach. Thanks.

    I still say that intersection needs a light, and it definitely does when they build the Hardee’s there.

    If you don’t like change and expansion, move further in the woods.

  11. Country folk on May 1st, 2012 7:13 am

    If u want a traffic light, move to town!!! Molino don’t need any lights. We just need to use our heads when riding through there!!!

  12. Molino-Anon on May 1st, 2012 6:06 am

    While you’re at it why don’t you hang a new traffic light. If this corner is being built up a traffic light will be need. Not to mention it has been needed for 20+ years with all the fatalities at this intersection.

  13. Tammy on May 1st, 2012 5:53 am

    Good,, But will we every get a RED light there?