Update: November 09, 2020
Current traffic impacts
Two lanes of east and two lanes of westbound traffic are currently open throughout the project limits (Bristol Street to Joan Avenue). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Here are highlights of work accomplished during the week.
• Clipped and graded drainage swales along with a 30-inch section beside the south, outside shoulder of Thomas Drive, between Surf Drive and Crescent Street.
• Installed new sod in the graded swales and adjoining 30-inch section between Surf Drive and Crescent Street.
• Installed benches, bicycle racks, and trash receptacles for the trolley stops at South Holiday Road and Rick Seltzer Park.
• Formed and poured concrete for a new sidewalk for Trolley Stop No. 1, located west of Bonita Street.
The following construction activities are scheduled this week.
• Additional clipping and grading of drainage swales, along with installing sod, between Crescent Street and Biltmore Drive.
• Complete the installation of benches, bicycle racks, and trash receptacles for Trolley Stop numbers 1 and 3, as well as the North Holiday Road Trolley Stop.
• Remove forms from the new sidewalk at Trolley Stop No. 1, located west of Bonita Street.
Thomas Drive construction personnel install a bench at the Rick Seltzer Park trolley stop.
Update: November 02, 2020
Current traffic impacts
Two lanes of east and two lanes of westbound traffic are currently open throughout the project limits (Bristol Street to Joan Avenue).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Here are highlights of work accomplished during the week.
• Removed the Thomas Drive lane closure between Joan Avenue and Chickasaw Streets. All east and westbound lanes are now open to regular traffic flow between Joan Avenue and Bristol Street.
• Cut and graded drainage swales along the south, outside shoulder of Thomas Drive, between Surf Drive and Quarts Street.
• Formed and constructed the new sidewalk and curb at the Rick Seltzer Park trolley stop.
• Graded and formed the new sidewalk at Trolley Stop No. 1.
The following construction activities are scheduled this week.
• Continue cutting and grading swales along the south, outside shoulder of Thomas Drive, between Apalachee Street and Spyglass Drive.
• Installing new sod along the completed drainage swales.
• Pouring concrete for the new sidewalk and curb for Trolley Stop No. 1.
Construction workers pour concrete for the new sidewalk for the trolley stop at Rick Seltzer Park.
Update: October 26, 2020
Current impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Joan Avenue to Tarpon Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained using the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Here are highlights of work accomplished during the week.
• Prepared the lime rock base to the final template for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue.• Placed structural asphalt for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue
• Began grading drainage swales along the Thomas Drive south, outside shoulder, between Surf Drive and Tarpon Street.
• Removed the temporary eastbound lane closure between Upas Street and the western entrance to Rick Seltzer Park, along with the temporary closure between Dolphin Drive and Safari Street.
• Completed grout injections for defective joints in the existing drainage system.
• Formed and poured concrete for the new sidewalk at Trolley Stop No. 3 and the Trolley Stop located along the south, outside shoulder of Thomas Drive at Holiday Road.
• Began forming and grading for new trolley stop at the Rick Seltzer Park entrance.
The following construction activities are scheduled this week.
• Grading swales along the outside shoulder of Thomas Drive, between Surf and Spyglass Drives.
• Temporarily closing Joan Avenue Thursday night, Oct. 29 to mill the intersection and overlay it with asphalt. (This work is weather-dependent.)
• Form and pour concrete for new sidewalks at Trolley Stop No. 1 and the Rick Seltzer Park Trolley stop.
A milling crew removes the existing asphalt from the Thomas Drive eastbound shoulder near Joan Avenue.
New concrete is poured for the sidewalk at the Holiday Road trolley stop.
Paving work underway for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes and median between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street.
Update: October 12, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Joan Avenue to Tarpon Street Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained using the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Work during the week was focused between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street, where the following construction activities were undertaken.
• Opened the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes to normal traffic flow.
• Closed the eastbound travel lanes for reconstruction. (Single lane traffic now flows in both directions using the westbound lanes.)
• Paved the first lift of structural asphalt for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes, along with Trolley Stop #1.
• Removed the existing asphalt from the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes and mixed soil stabilization materials.
• Adjusted the sanitary sewer valves in the right, eastbound lane, between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue.
The following construction activities are scheduled this week.
• Preparing and completing stabilization efforts for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue, and preparing/placing base lime rock for the same section of the roadway.
• Form and construct new sidewalk for Trolley Stop Nos. 1 and 3, along with the trolley stop located along the south outside shoulder at Holiday Road.
• Complete grout injections for defective joints in the existing drainage system between Raven and Tarpon Streets.
A milling crew works to remove the existing asphalt from the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes, between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue.
Paving crews apply asphalt for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes.
Update: October 5, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Upas Street to Joan Avenue. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained using the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Work was undertaken during the reporting period included:
• Completing placement of lime rock base and stabilization of the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street.
• Resuming grout injections of defective joints in the existing drainage system between Raven and Tarpon Streets.
• Maintenance of the diesel pump and exfiltration system being used to remove excess water from Rick Seltzer Park.
The following construction activities are scheduled this week:
• Paving the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue, along with Trolley Stop #1.
• Removing the current closure of the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes, between Joan Avenue and Venus Street, to restore normal traffic flow.
• Closing the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes, between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street, and shifting traffic to the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the four-lane roadway).
• Form and construct the new sidewalk for Trolley Stops 1 and 3, along with the Trolley Stop located along the south, outside shoulder at Holiday Road.
• Continue grout injections for the defective drainage system joints between Raven and Tarpon Streets.
• Continue pumping excess water from Rick Seltzer Park.
A grading machine is used to re-stabilize soils for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes approaching Joan Avenue. The re-work was required after the materials became too wet following recent heavy rains.
Update: September 28, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Upas Street to Joan Avenue. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained using the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Rain and wet conditions impacted work the entire week of Sept. 21-25. Here is a list of activities undertaken by the project team.
• In an effort to accelerate drying, the contractor scarified the stabilization materials in the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street. (Rain continued and suitable drying was not achieved.)
• Temporarily repaired “dips” in the roadway by placing more than five-tons of asphalt in the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes at Choctaw, Venus, and Raven Streets.
• Removed debris from the project limits.
• Resumed grout injections for the defective joints in the existing drainage system. (Water in the drainage pipes prevented completion of the joint repairs.
• Installed a diesel pump and began pumping standing water from Rick Seltzer Park.
The following construction activities are scheduled this week:
• Re-work and complete stabilization for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street.
• Place and complete lime rock base between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street.
• Pave the westbound lanes between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street, along with Trolley Stop No. 1.
• Form and construct proposed new sidewalk for Trolley Stops 1 and 3, along with the Trolley Stop located along the south, outside shoulder at Holiday Road.
• Resume grout injections for the defective drainage system joints between Raven and Tarpon Streets.
Paving crews places an asphalt patch to address a temporary dip in the Thomas Drive travel lanes.
Update: September 14, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Upas Street to Joan Avenue. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained using the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Here is a summary of work performed during the week ending Sept. 13.
• Completed stabilization efforts for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue.
• Prepared three trolley stops along the south outside shoulder of Thomas Drive at Holiday Road for construction of proposed new sidewalk.
• Constructed new concrete sidewalk, curb, and gutter along the south outside shoulder of Thomas Drive near the Spyglass Drive intersection
Weather for the first part of the week beginning Sept. 14 does not look favorable due to the possible impacts from Tropical Storm (or Hurricane) Sally.
Weather permitting, the following construction activities are scheduled
• Place and complete the lime rock base for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue.
• Pending pavement striping and straight edging, opening the westbound lanes to normal traffic flow between Joan Avenue and Venus Street. Eastbound travel lanes, between Joan Avenue and Tarpon Street, will then be closed for reconstruction. Two-way traffic will then be shifted to the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the four-lane roadway).
• Form and construct the proposed new sidewalk for the three trolley stops located along the south outside shoulder of Thomas Drive near the Holiday Road intersection.
• Complete the remaining grout injections for the defective drainage system joints between Xavier and Tarpon Streets.
Work underway to compact subgrade for the new westbound travel lanes, east of Joan Avenue.
Following compaction of the subgrade, a grading machine is used to grade the area to the final template.
Further east on Thomas Drive, a crewmember works to prepare the pad for construction of a new sidewalk.
Update: September 8, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Upas Street to Joan Avenue. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Here is a summary of work performed during the week ending Sept. 6.
• Extended the western terminus of the traffic shift from Tarpon Street to Joan Avenue.
• Placed the first layer of asphalt for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Venus and Bonita Streets.
• De-silted and applied high-strength grout to seal the drainage system throughout the project limits.
• Adjusted two water valves between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue.
• Milled the outside shoulder of Thomas Drive westbound, between Bonita and Venus Streets and removed the existing asphalt for the westbound lanes from Joan Avenue to Bonita Street.
Work anticipated during the current week includes:
• Grading stabilized soils to the final template for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Joan Avenue.
• Completing the remaining grout injections for the existing drainage system between Xavier and Tarpon Streets.
A crew works to pave the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes last week near Xavier Street.
Update: August 24, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Upas to Tarpon Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
The following work was performed during the week ending August 23:
• Inclement weather impacted work three days during the week.
• Completed placement of eight-inches of base lime rock for the westbound lanes between Snapper and Walnut Streets.
• Placed lime rock base atop stabilized areas of the westbound lanes from Snapper to Tarpon Street.
• Injected grout into defective joints in the existing drainage system adjacent to the westbound travel lanes, between Xavier Street and Crescent Drive.
• De-silted and applied high-strength grout to seal the interior of drainage structures between Xavier and Quarts Streets
Work anticipated during the coming week includes:
• Protect and “safe-up” the project limits pending potential tropical storm impacts.
• Completing preparation of lime rock base for westbound lanes between Tarpon and Snapper Streets.
• Paving the westbound lanes between Venus and Tarpon Streets (weather permitting).
• Completing grout injections for defective drainage system joints between Xavier and Tarpons Streets.
• Complete de-silting and injection of high-strength grout to seal the interior of drainage structures throughout the project limits.
Construction team members de-silt existing drainage structures between Xavier and Quarts Streets.
Thomas Drive, looking west from Silver Sands Road. The Former westbound lanes and median (shown on the right) are closed with two-way traffic maintained on the eastbound roadway.
Update: August 17, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Upas to Tarpon Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
The following work was performed during the week ending August 16.
• Completed stabilization of westbound lanes between Choctaw and Tarpon Streets.
• Placed the lime rock base for the westbound lanes between Xavier and Tarpon Streets.
• Completed grout injections for defective joints in the existing drainage system alongside the westbound lanes between Crescent Drive and Xavier Street.
• De-silted and applied high-strength ground to seal the interior of two drainage structures located between Walnut and Xavier Streets
Work anticipated during the coming week includes:
• Finish placing base lime rock for the westbound travel lanes between Tarpon and Utes Streets.
• Grading base lime rock to the final template between Venus and Tarpon Streets.
• Completing remaining grout injections for the defecting drainage system joints between Xavier and Tarpon Streets.
• De-silting and applying high-strength grout to seal the interior of drainage structures throughout the project limits.
Lime rock base materials are placed for the westbound lanes between Xavier and Tarpon Streets.
Update: August 10, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Upas to Tarpon Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
The following work was performed during the week ending August 9.
- Mixed and sampled stabilized materials for the Thomas Drive westbound lanes between Choctaw and Bonita Streets.
- Began grading stabilized materials to the final template for the westbound lanes between Venus and Choctaw Streets.
- Removed and replaced damaged drainage structures.
- Milled the westbound lanes between Utes and Bonita Streets.
Work anticipated for the coming week includes:
- Complete mixing and sampling for the westbound lanes between Tarpon and Bonita Streets, and grade stabilized materials to the final template.
- Complete remaining grout injections for the defective joints in the drainage system between Xavier and Tarpon Streets. (The drainage system will be video recorded both before and after the grout injections.)
- Core and perform geo-exploration at the Joan Avenue intersection.
A milling machine is used to remove the old asphalt from the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Utes and Bonita
Streets. One lane of traffic in each direction remains open on this section of Thomas Drive using the southern half of the four-lane
roadway.
Update: August 3, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Tarpon Street to Venus Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
The following work was performed during the week ending August 2.
• Mixing stabilized materials for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes between Venus and Choctaw Streets and began grading to a final template.
• Milled the existing asphalt from the westbound lanes between Walnut and Utes Streets.
• Continued to repair/replace damaged drainage system components.
Work anticipated for the coming week includes:
• Continuing stabilization work for the Thomas Drive westbound lanes between Choctaw and Tarpon Streets.
• Grading westbound travel lanes to the final template.
• Milling the westbound travel lanes between Utes and Tarpon Streets.
• Removing/replacing damaged drainage system components.
Thomas Drive crew members at work backfilling and compacting soil around a concrete drainage structure.
Update: July 27, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Tarpon Street to Venus Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the week ending July 26, the following work was performed.
- Paving of median turn lanes between Tarpon Street and Crescent Drive.
- Shifting bi-directional traffic from the westbound lanes to the newly paved eastbound lanes between Tarpon and Venus Streets.
- Installing silt fence and placing geo bales around drainage inlets to protect against sediment and/or debris infiltration.
- Forming and constructing the concrete slab for the North Holiday Road trolley stop.
- Forming and constructing the wall component for the retaining wall along the county-owned right-of-way for the South Holiday Road trolley stop.
- Adjusting manholes in the westbound travel lanes, between Venus and Tarpon Streets, and initial milling work to remove the existing asphalt.
Work anticipated for the coming week includes:
- Mixing the stabilization materials for the westbound travel lanes between Venus and Tarpon Streets.
- Forming and constructing the concrete slab for the South Holiday Road trolley stop.
- Removing and replacing damaged drainage structures and injecting high-strength grout to repair a leak in the existing system near Venus Street.
- Removing the existing asphalt between Walnut and Tarpon Streets.
Pavement stripes are applied for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes between Tarpon and Venus Streets. Two-way traffic was subsequently switched to these lanes so milling and resurfacing work could begin on the westbound travel lanes.
Construction crew members pour a concrete slab for the new trolley stop at North Holiday Road.
Update: July 20, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Crescent Drive to Bonita Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the week ending July 19, the following work was performed.
- Completed preparation of lime rock base to the final template for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes between Walnut Street and Crescent Drive.
- Paved eastbound lanes and shoulder, and partially paved the median turn lanes between Tarpon Street and Crescent Drive.
- Installed a silt fence and placed “geo bales” around drainage inlets throughout the project limits to protect from sediment.
- Constructed a five-foot sidewalk along the western entrance to Rick Seltzer Park and constructed the concrete dumpster pad inside the park.
Formed and constructed the retaining wall along the county right-of-way for the South Holiday Drive trolley stop.
Work anticipated for the coming week includes:
- Completing the paving for the median turn lanes between Venus Street and Crescent Drive.
- Initiating the traffic switch between Venus Street and Tarpon Street, which will put one lane of travel in each direction on the newly constructed eastbound travel lanes (i.e., the southern portion of the four-lane roadway). Note: the traffic shift is currently scheduled for Tuesday, July 21.
- Adjust work zone signage, variable message boards, and arrow boards to support the planned traffic shift between Tarpon and Venus Streets.
- Form and construct the wall portion of the retaining wall along the county right-of-way for the South Holiday Drive trolley stop.
- Remove the existing asphalt for the westbound travel lanes between Venus and Tarpon Streets.
- Continue drainage system repairs/improvements.
Paving crews at work on Thomas Drive eastbound, between Walnut Street and Crescent Drive.
Update: July 6, 2020
Current Traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Crescent Drive to Bonita Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the week ending July 5, the following work was performed.
- Completed placement of eight-inches of base lime rock for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes between Tarpon Street and Crescent Drive.
- Began grading lime rock base to the final template.
- Investigated drainage obstructions and made needed repairs.
In observance of the July 4th holiday, no work was performed Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5.
Work scheduled for the coming week includes:
- Continue preparing the lime rock base, then paving the eastbound roadway between Sabine and Snapper Streets.
- Adjusting water valves in the outside shoulders in advance of milling and paving.
A crew works to grade and compact the lime rock base for the Thomas Drive eastbound lanes between Tarpon Street and Crescent Drive.
Update: June 15, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Crescent Drive to Bonita Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the week ending June 14, the construction team undertook the following tasks.
- Graded the soil stabilization materials to a final template and placed eight-inches of lime rock base for the eastbound travel lanes between Crescent Drive and Walnut Street.
- Cleared and grubbed in advance of constructing trolley stops on the north and south sides of Thomas Drive at Holiday Drive.
- Injected grout around conduits in new cast-in-place drainage structures.
- Injected grout into the existing drainage system at 35 points between Benbow and Xavier Streets. Before and after video inspection was also performed at these locations.
A media availability period was provided Friday, June 12 to highlight the completion of paving the parking lot at S. Richard Seltzer Park parking. Commissioner Griffitts discussed the work with representatives of WJHG-TV, WMBB-TV, and the Panama City News Herald. All three media outlets filed stories about the construction milestone that referenced the work as part of the county’s Half-Cent infrastructure surtax.
Work scheduled for the coming week includes:
- Continuing soil stabilization efforts for the eastbound travel lanes between Crescent Drive and Bonita Street, as well as placing eight-inches of lime rock on sections already stabilized.
- Constructing trolley stops at Holiday Road.
- Continue grout injections for defective joints in the existing drainage system.
- Installing cast-in-place tops for new drainage structures.
- Continuing drainage system repairs/replacements.
Stabilization materials are graded for the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes between Crescent Drive and Walnut Street.
A subcontractor injects grout into defective drainage system joints along Thomas Drive.
Update: June 1, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Crescent Drive to Bonita Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the week ending May 31, the construction team focused on the following activities.
Milling the Thomas Drive eastbound travel and median turn lanes between Venus and Snapper Streets.
- Constructed through-lane access points along Thomas Drive eastbound between Venus and Snapper Streets to accommodate driveways and side streets.
- Soil stabilization between Raven Street and Nancee Drive.
- Grading lime rock base to the final template for the Rick Seltzer Park parking lot.
- Removing drainage obstructions in advance of replacing the structures between Venus and Snapper Streets.
On the schedule this week is:
- Additional milling of the eastbound travel and median turn lanes between Venus and Snapper Streets.
- Mixing and sampling stabilized materials for the eastbound lanes between Crescent Drive and Bonita Street.
- Removing drainage obstructions, along with forming and constructing cast-in-place walls for new drainage structures.
Rick Seltzer Park
Rick Seltzer Park is currently closed so the parking lot can be paved. Weather permitting, the contractor plans to stripe the new pavement this week so the park can be reopened.
A crew of workers pours a concrete, cast-in-place drainage structure on Thomas Drive. Repair and replacement of damaged
drainage structures is a component of the $8.3-million Thomas Drive improvement project.
A milling machine removes the existing asphalt pavement from the eastbound travel lanes of Thomas Drive near Venus Street.
Update: May 26, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Crescent Drive to Bonita Street. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway). The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the week ending May 24, the construction team focused on the following activities.
- Milling the eastbound travel lanes and median turn lanes to a depth of 11-inches between Crescent Drive and Venus Street.
- Constructing driveway and side street access points between Crescent Drive and Venus Street.
- Mixing and sampling subgrade materials for the eastbound travel lanes from Crescent Drive to Raven Street.
- Removing existing drainage obstructions between Raven and Quarts Streets.
This week the construction team plans to:
- Mill the eastbound travel lanes and median turn lanes between Crescent and Bonita Streets, and continue with mixing, sampling, and stabilizing subgrade material.
- Remove drainage obstructions between Raven and Quarts Streets, then form and pour cast-in-place concrete components for new drainage structures.
- Inject grout into defective joints in the existing drainage system throughout the project limits.
A milling machine removes asphalt from the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes near the Summerhouse Condominiums, 6505 Thomas Drive.
Update: May 13,2020
Construction crews plan to shift Thomas Drive east and westbound traffic, between Holiday and Crescent drives, to the eastbound travel lanes Thursday, May 14. The traffic shift will allow milling, resurfacing and drainage improvements to continue for the westbound travel lanes.
Thomas Drive is the focus of an $8.3 million construction effort to resurface the roadway and make drainage improvements between Bristol Street and Joan Avenue.
Update: May 4, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Venus Street to Biltmore Drive. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the reporting period that ended Sunday, May 3, the prime contractor completed placement of lime rock base materials from east of Quarts Street to Biltmore Drive. In addition, lime rock base was prepared for the area immediately west of Quarts Street.
Meantime, cast-in-place wall components were constructed for replacement of removed/damaged drainage structures and tops.
Plans for the week ahead call for continuing placement of the needed eight-inches of lime rock base materials between Sabine and Quarts Streets. Pending the completion of drainage activities, crews further plan to complete the required stabilization in this area.
Repair/replacement of concrete drainage structures will also continue within the work zone.
Thomas Drive construction crews work to form the top for a new concrete drainage structure. Damaged drainage structures are being repaired or replaced as part of the $8.3 million improvement project underway between Joan Avenue and Bristol Street. Work is
currently estimated for completion this summer.
A grading machine works near Biltmore Drive to stabilize lime rock for the base of the new Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes. The base will include eight-inches of lime rock. The material is frequently used in this area for road construction because it is in large supply and drains well. Completion of the Thomas Drive improvement project is currently estimated for this summer.
Update: April 27, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Venus Street to Biltmore Drive. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
During the week ending April 26, 2020 crews completed stabilization of the westbound travel lanes and began placing eight-inches of lime rock base from east of Quarts Street to Venus Street.
New drainage structures were constructed in the westbound lanes (between Venus and Raven Streets) to replace damaged structures that were previously removed. The team also desilted and applied high-strength grout to four existing drainage structures.
In the week ahead the construction team will continue placing base lime rock on stabilized sections. In addition, stabilization and lime rock installation is planned between Quarts and Sabine Streets, as well as a 1,000-foot section near Crescent Drive.
Drainage work will include forming and constructing cast-in-place walls for new structures between Sabine and Quarts Streets.
A crew member works to construct a cast-in-place wall for a new drainage structure along Thomas Drive
Crews mixing and compacting Type B Stabilization between Raven and Quarts Streets.
Update: April 2, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive are closed from approximately Crescent Drive to Biltmore Drive. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the eastbound lanes (i.e., the southern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the Thomas Drive work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
For the week ending March 29, 2020, RARI paved the eastbound travel lanes, outside shoulder, and median turn lanes from west of Crescent Drive to Biltmore Drive. A traffic shift was implemented that moved two-way traffic to these newly paved travel lanes.
Additional paving included an isolated area of the eastbound lanes between Spyglass Drive and Benbow Street.
Emerald Coast Milling, a subcontractor to RARI, milled the remaining portion of the median turn lanes and outside shoulders between Spyglass and Crescent Drives.
Update: March 26, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive (i.e., the southern half of the four-lane roadway) are closed from approximately Raven Street to Silver Avenue. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway).
The speed limit in the Thomas Drive work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
The westbound travel lanes have been milled and resurfaced between Spyglass Drive and Biltmore Drive.
During the past week work focused on the eastbound lanes from Biltmore Drive to east of Raven Street. Crews placed eight-inches of lime rock base, milled the outside shoulder, and placed 1.5-inches of structural asphalt. A small section of the eastbound roadway was also completed just west of Spyglass Drive.
All structural asphalt has now been placed for the eastbound travel lanes from east of Raven Street to Spyglass Drive.
New pavement striping was applied to the eastbound travel lanes on Thursday, March 26. This will allow traffic to be shifted so that resurfacing and drainage work can continue on the northern half of the four-lane roadway. The traffic shift is currently scheduled for Friday, March 27.
A Paving Crew works to apply 1.5-inches of new structural asphalt to the Thomas Drive eastbound
travel lanes near the Mariner East Condominium.
Update: March 6, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive (i.e., the southern half of the four-lane roadway) are closed from approximately Raven Street to Silver Avenue. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway).
Construction activities
The first lift of asphalt has been applied to the westbound lanes between Silver and Biltmore Avenues.
Milling and soil stabilization work is underway for the eastbound lanes between the Summerhouse Condominium, 6505 Thomas Drive (near Raven Street) and Biltmore Avenue. Crews are also repairing and replacing damaged drainage structures.
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph
A paving crew works to resurface the Thomas Drive median
Soil stabilization underway for the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes near Mystic Street.
Update: February 27, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive (i.e., the southern half of the four-lane roadway) are closed from Crescent Drive to Silver Avenue. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the westbound lanes (i.e., the northern half of the roadway).
Traffic is expected to remain in this configuration for the next few weeks. The speed limit between Joan Avenue and Silver Avenue is 25 mph.
Construction activities
Paving is complete for the westbound lanes between Silver and Biltmore Avenues. Construction crews have milled the eastbound travel lanes, between Crescent Drive and Silver Avenue. Work is underway to place, mix, grade, and compact the subgrade prior to paving.
Manholes are being adjusted between Silver Avenue and Crescent Drive and damaged concrete drainage structures are being repaired or replaced as needed
The following photo shows crew members from Roberts and Roberts Inc. working to pave the outside shoulder of the Thomas Drive westbound travel lanes near the Hurt Street intersection.
Update: February 20, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive (i.e., the southern half of the four-lane roadway) are closed (as of Friday, Feb. 7) between Silver Avenue (near “the curve” on Thomas Drive) and the Biltmore Drive intersection. Two-way traffic (i.e., one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the northern half of the roadway.
Friday, Feb. 21, the lane shift will be extended four blocks west, from Biltmore Drive to Crescent Drive so that work may continue. Traffic will remain in this configuration for several weeks. The speed limit in the work zone (Joan Avenue to Silver Avenue) is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
Construction crews have milled the eastbound travel lanes (southern half of the roadway) to a depth of 11-inches between Silver Avenue and Biltmore Drive. Current work includes mixing, sampling and grading the soil in advance of applying eight-inches of lime rock base material. In addition, damaged underground drainage structures are being repaired or replaced
Friday, Feb. 21, the work zone will be extended four blocks to the west, from Biltmore Drive to Crescent Drive. Milling the existing asphalt, along with subgrade and base work is planned to start in this area Saturday, Feb. 22. Once the base work is completed crews will apply the structural lift of asphalt.
Crews from subcontractor Emerald Coast Milling work to mill the Thomas Drive eastbound travel lanes to a depth of 11-inches between Silver Avenue and Biltmore Drive.
Following the milling activities, work begins to stabilize the soil for the eastbound travel lanes. To make room for the work, one lane of both east and westbound traffic is temporarily operating on the adjacent westbound travel lanes
Beneath the roadway, crews work to repair/replace damaged underground drainage structures. In this photo, personnel from subcontractor L&R Contracting are shown modifying a drainage structure prior to installing a new concrete drainage pipe.
Update: February 13, 2020
Current traffic impacts
The eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive (i.e., the southern half of the four-lane roadway) are closed (as of Friday, Feb. 7) between Silver Avenue (near “the curve” on Thomas Drive) and the Biltmore Drive intersection. Two-way traffic (i.e., one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the northern half of the roadway. Traffic is expected to continue in this configuration for several weeks. The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph.
Construction activities
The westbound lanes (northern half of the roadway) have been milled and resurfaced between Silver Avenue and Biltmore Drive. When paving was completed a traffic shift was implemented to allow work to begin on the eastbound lanes (southern half of the roadway). The week of Feb. 10, crews began milling the eastbound lanes to a depth of approximately 11-inches. Soil stabilization also began along with grading the work zone to a final template. When these activities conclude the contractor will place eight-inches of lime rock base prior to paving.
The first lift of asphalt is applied to the northern half of Thomas Drive (westbound lanes) between Silver Avenue and Biltmore Drive. Two-way traffic was subsequently shifted to these lanes so that milling and resurfacing work could begin for the southern half of the roadway (eastbound lanes). Crews are also removing and replacing damaged concrete drainage pipes and other structures beneath the roadway. The $8.1 million project will mill and resurface Thomas Drive between Bristol Street and Joan Avenue. Work is estimated for completion this summer.
Update: February 5, 2020
THOMAS DRIVE LANES TO SHIFT FRIDAY - Work continues on the Thomas Drive resurfacing and improvement project. On Friday, Feb. 7 construction crews plan to shift two-way traffic onto the westbound travel lanes, between Silver Avenue and Biltmore Drive, so that milling and resurfacing work can begin on the eastbound lanes.
Traffic is expected to remain in this configuration for the next several weeks. The Thomas Drive speed limit is reduced to 25 mph between Bristol Street and Joan Avenue. Work is currently estimated for completion this summer.
Update: January 24, 2020
Roadway work began Monday, Jan. 20 on the Thomas Drive resurfacing project. Crews are resurfacing and upgrading a 3.1-mile segment of Thomas Drive between Bristol Street and Joan Avenue. The $8.1 million project is funded by the county’s half-cent infrastructure surtax.
In addition to milling and resurfacing the roadway, this project will:
• Upgrade the drainage system.
• Make pedestrian improvements (additional mid-block crossings, apply new pavement markings).
• Widen bicycle lanes from four- to six-feet.
• Construct new trolley stop pull-off areas.
• Pave the parking lot at Rick Seltzer Park.
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive (i.e., the north half of the four-lane roadway) are closed between Silver Avenue (near “the curve” on Thomas Drive) and the Biltmore Drive intersection.
Two-way traffic (i.e., one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the south half of the roadway. Only right turns are allowed at the Silver Avenue, Spyglass Drive, and Biltmore Drive intersections.
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph. This traffic configuration will remain in place for several weeks
Construction activities
The contractor has removed the old asphalt from the westbound lanes beginning near Silver Avenue and continuing to near the Biltmore Drive intersection. Soil mixing is underway in this area for the new roadway subgrade. Samples of mixed material are being laboratory tested for compliance with specifications.
In the area that is closed to traffic, the team has also begun removing damaged drainage structures and installing a new pipe across Thomas Drive near Spyglass Drive.
A lane shift is put in place Monday, Jan. 20 closing the Thomas Drive westbound lanes between Silver Street and Biltmore Drive. Two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is being maintained using the eastbound travel lanes. This traffic configuration is expected to remain in place for several weeks.
Construction crews work Wednesday, Jan. 22 to remove the asphalt from Thomas Drive westbound, between Silver Street and Biltmore Drive. The travel lanes will be reconstructed in this area and damaged portions of the underground drainage system will be repaired/replaced.
Overview
Roadway work began Monday, Jan. 20 on the Thomas Drive resurfacing project. Crews are resurfacing and upgrading a 3.1-mile segment of Thomas Drive between Bristol Street and Joan Avenue. The $8.1 million project is funded by the county’s half-cent infrastructure surtax.
In addition to milling and resurfacing the roadway, this project will:
• Upgrade the drainage system.
• Make pedestrian improvements (additional mid-block crossings, apply new pavement markings).
• Widen bicycle lanes from four- to six-feet.
• Construct new trolley stop pull-off areas.
• Pave the parking lot at Rick Seltzer Park.
Current traffic impacts
The westbound lanes of Thomas Drive (i.e., the north half of the four-lane roadway) are closed between Silver Avenue (near “the curve” on Thomas Drive) and the Biltmore Drive intersection.
Two-way traffic (i.e., one lane in each direction) is being maintained on the south half of the roadway. Only right turns are allowed at the Silver Avenue, Spyglass Drive, and Biltmore Drive intersections.
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 25 mph. This traffic configuration will remain in place for several weeks
Construction activities
The contractor has removed the old asphalt from the westbound lanes beginning near Silver Avenue and continuing to near the Biltmore Drive intersection. Soil mixing is underway in this area for the new roadway subgrade. Samples of mixed material are being laboratory tested for compliance with specifications.
In the area that is closed to traffic, the team has also begun removing damaged drainage structures and installing a new pipe across Thomas Drive near Spyglass Drive.
Contractors representing the Bay County public works department will begin work Monday, Jan. 13 to resurface a 3.1-mile section of Thomas Drive, between Bristol Street and Joan Avenue.
In addition to milling and resurfacing the pavement, the work will include:
- Improving the drainage system
- Widening bicycle lanes to six-feet.
- Adding new mid-block pedestrian crossings, along with relocating and/or improving existing cross walks.
- Updating pavement markings to improve pedestrian safety.
- Designing/constructing new trolley stop pull-off areas.
- Paving the parking lot at Rick Seltzer Park.
- The $8.1 million project is funded by the county’s half-cent infrastructure surtax that was approved by voters in 2016.
The work is estimated for completion in mid-2020.
Construction procedures and impacts
Construction work will take place primarily during daytime hours. The contractor will, at times,close one-half of Thomas Drive an implement two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) on the remaining half of the roadway. Side street intersections may also be closed.
Drivers and bicyclists should expect temporary detours, lane shifts, and the potential for increased congestion during the project. Pedestrians may encounter sidewalk closures. Nearby residential and commercial properties may notice increased noise and dust from the construction activities, along with an increase in construction vehicle and equipment traffic.
Drivers should be alert for construction workers, vehicles, and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Staying informed
Stakeholders may contact the project team by telephone, (850) 724-3992; or by e-mail, info@ThomasDr.com.
To receive mobile text alerts, stakeholders can text the key word “ThomasDR” to 888-777.