The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is planning to construct a shared-use path along U.S.17 from State Road (S.R.) 40 to Washington Avenue in Pierson and from Palmetto Avenue to the Putnam County line. A 1-mile-long section between Washington Avenue and Palmetto Avenue in Pierson was previously constructed.

With his project, the finished trail will stretch 13.7 miles and will close a gap in the 260-mile-long St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Trail, one of state's highest trail priorities. 

A Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study was completed in 2020, and the preferred alternative proposes a 12-foot-wide pave shared-use path along the east (northbound) side of U.S. 17 within the project limits. Project files are provided below.

Some right of way acquisition will likely be needed. However, the project team is working to stay within existing right of way as much as possible.

The FDOT will hold a project open house about plans to build this segment of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Trail on Thursday, August 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pierson Community Center, 124 W. Washington Ave., Pierson, FL 32180. Attendees will have an opportunity to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions.

To provide additional flexibility for stakeholders, the FDOT is also offering online opportunities to get involved:

• Join an online webinar at 5:30 p.m. to watch a project presentation and submit written questions or comments using the webinar questions box.  To attend using this option, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4737384834780136537. Please make sure to provide adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.
• You may also visit this website any time to view open house materials and provide feedback. While questions and comments are accepted anytime, those submitted by August 28 will be included in the public record for this open house.