Traffic Light Or ‘Restricted Crossing U-Turn’? Meeting Today On Highway 29, Highway 196 Options
September 15, 2026
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting this evening to gather input on proposed safety improvements along Highway 29 at Highway 196 (Barrineau Park Road). Area residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on two alternatives being considered for the intersection: a traditional traffic signal or a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT).
The Florida Department of Transportation is considering two options for a Highway 29 safety project at Highway 196 (Barrineau Park Road). One option is a traditional traffic signal, and the other is called an RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn) intersection that would force vehicles to make U-turns on Highway 29 to cross over.
Traffic Signal
The traffic signal option is very straightforward; keep the intersection as it is now and install a traffic signal. Current drawings for the traffic signal option show the current turn lane on Highway 29, and no additional turn lanes on Highway 196.
RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn)
An RCUT design would use a concrete barrier to close the median and prevent Highway 196 drivers from crossing over Highway 29. Drivers on Highway 196 would be required to turn right onto Highway 29 and use a designated U-turn location to reach the other side.
Click here for more design images.
Timetable
Both alternatives are at the 60% design phase, with final design of the chosen design anticipated in early 2027. The development process is currently in the design phase with construction of the final design anticipated in 2027-2028 and completion in 2028. Both design and construction are funded.
Public Meeting
FDOT will hold a hybrid public meeting with attendance either in person or virtually this evening, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Victory Assembly of God at 1895 Victory Road (just south of the Highway 29 and Highway 196 intersection). The same materials will be presented in both formats.
Registration, Public Comment
- To register to attend, click here.
- For an interactive map, click here.
- To submit public comment, click here.
Click any image to enlarge.
West Roberts Road Reopening Extended To Thursday; Overall Project End Pushed To Winter
September 15, 2026
A portion of West Roberts Road that was temporarily closed for construction on August 29 is now expected to reopen by 5 p.m. on Thursday, weather permitting, but completion of the entire project is not expected until winter.
“The closure extension will help ensure that crews can work as safely and efficiently as possible while the necessary shoulder work and lane striping along the roadway is completed,” Escambia County said in a statement on Monday. “The public’s patience is appreciated as crews work diligently to complete this project as soon as possible.”
Intermittent lane closures will resume along West Roberts Road as the project continues, and periodic detours will continue to be utilized along Kingsfield Road, Stallion Road, and Tate Road for the duration of the project. Traffic lanes will be reopened on West Roberts Road upon completion of this phase of work. The county said drivers traveling on West Roberts Road should use extra caution and follow road crew instructions, posted signs, and temporary traffic signals when traveling through the work zone.
The $4.6 million West Roberts Road Roadway and Drainage Improvements Project is now expected to be completed by winter 2026, weather and construction coordination permitting.
Pictured: West Roberts Road was closed at the railroad tracks just east of Highway 29 mid-afternoon on September 9. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
