Glynn County OKs $60,200 Frederica Road traffic study after split vote

The Glynn County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 approved a purchase order to Moffett and Nicholl for a Frederica Road traffic improvement plan, not to exceed $60,200, with funding to come from the accommodation excise tax fund balance. The motion carried in a 6–1 vote.

Planning and procurement staff described the work as a data-driven study to collect updated traffic counts along Frederica Road between Demery Road and Lawrence Road and to identify both short-term, quick-implementation operational fixes and longer-range improvements. "At the end of it, we will present some proposed solutions," President Talbot, Director of Capital Development and Procurement, told commissioners, adding that the study is expected to take about six to nine months and could include immediate improvements if the board approves funding for them.

Not all commissioners supported authorizing the contract. An unnamed commissioner who spoke during debate said the corridor has been the subject of repeated studies and pledged to vote against the purchase order, saying, "We have studied Frederica to death ... I'm gonna vote against this, but I know it's gonna pass." That commissioner called for the county to move from study to implementation once work is completed.

Talbot said the study will return proposed solutions and cost estimates; if commissioners choose to proceed with any quick fixes, staff would program them into future capital projects and seek board approval for funding. The study’s stated goal is to present both short-term operational changes and longer-term capital options to reduce congestion on St. Simons Island's main corridor.

Next steps: staff will begin the procurement work and expect a study timeline of roughly six to nine months, followed by presentation of proposed short- and long-term improvements for board consideration.