Clay County engineers say extra median cut on Sand Ridge would be unsafe; commissioners ask for more study

Clay County commissioners heard heated public testimony May 27 over proposed median openings on Sand Ridge Road at Russell Baptist Church and stopped short of approving an additional cut that church leaders requested.

Engineers and the county’s transportation staff told the board the two driveways in front of the church are too close together for a second median opening to meet Florida access‑management standards. Carlos Campos, project manager for design consultant WGI, said the western entrance to the church “barely” meets the spacing requirement and opening the eastern driveway would put the two openings roughly 450 feet apart — short of the 660 feet required for this suburban roadway with a 35 mph posted speed.

County Engineer Richard Smith added that allowing the extra cut would put the county and its design professionals at legal risk. He told commissioners the “safest option” is to keep the current alignment and left‑turn lane or to redesign the section entirely, which would increase construction costs and delay the project. Carlos Campos estimated the cost to remove and repave the grass median across the two church entrances — a solution some commissioners mentioned — at tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars and said re‑sizing drainage and ponds could push costs higher.

Why it matters: The design choices affect more than the church. Staff noted adjacent property north of Sand Ridge is developable and would likely seek access if a median opening were granted. That would add traffic and complicate safety on a stretch that engineering staff say must follow state spacing rules.

What commissioners directed: Rather than vote to open the eastern median, the board asked staff to return with more detail. Commissioners asked for (a) a technical analysis and cost estimate for removing the short paved median between the two church entrances; (b) feasibility and cost for improving the Cross Creek/back‑entrance on church property so events could use that egress instead of Sand Ridge; and (c) options for temporary or permanent signage/enforcement (speed displays, temporary law‑enforcement traffic control during events). Staff said they will consult the project engineer of record and the contractor and report back to the board.

Church leaders and neighbors: Pastor Chad Weeks and members of Russell Baptist said the church hosts hundreds to thousands of attendees for regular programs and seasonal events and urged the board to give the church additional or alternate access. Pastor Weeks said the congregation and organizers were concerned about seniors and families making U‑turns on Sand Ridge: “We’re simply asking for that discretion to be used wisely,” he said. Nearby residents and some commissioners worried that opening multiple cuts so close together would create unsafe conflicts with through traffic.

Next steps: Staff will develop cost and permitting estimates and return to the commission for further direction. The board did not approve any new median openings at the May 27 meeting.

Ending: Commissioners stressed they want a solution that preserves safety on Sand Ridge while addressing the church’s operational needs. The county will attempt to present options that can be implemented without creating new hazards or violating Florida access‑management requirements.