Taylor County hears feasibility study on bypasses for Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee; no recommendations yet

Taylor County commissioners heard a presentation Oct. 21 from AvCon Incorporated on a grant-funded feasibility study examining bypass and turn-lane alternatives to reduce seasonal congestion at Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee boat ramps.

The study, funded entirely by a grant, is still in an early phase and includes no formal recommendations, AvCon’s presenter said. "We don't even have recommendations at this point. We just want to present to you what we've seen so far," the consultant said, noting traffic counts were taken during the July Fourth weekend, the busiest period in the area.

The consultant described three principal options under review: no-build, a full bypass around the ramps and waterfront cores, and more limited improvements such as added turn…