Highway 17, I-295 interchange causing headaches for drivers near Duval-Clay county line

The Highway 17 and Interstate 295 interchange near the Duval-Clay border is one of the busiest interchanges in Northeast Florida and has been under construction for years.

Over the past week, a lot of construction has overtaken the interchange and News4JAX decided to take a look at what that means for drivers.

Barbara Traylor was recently visiting the Westside from her beach home and encountered a lot of confusion in the area.

“We were just coming back and I will say I had a really hard time getting back on 295. So I had to come all the way here and turn around to come back just because there's a lot of traffic ” Traylor said.

She is not alone.

Lane changes have taken place and concrete barriers are now in place. For example, the northbound lanes used to flow freely, now drivers must stay to the right.

“Just be careful and watch out for signs and signals that might change,” said Sara Pleasants with the Florida Department of Transportation. “We have installed temporary barriers to ensure the project team can work safely in the central reservation area.”

Four months ago, drivers were confused by a new traffic light on U.S. 17, so FDOT turned right on red. But FDOT changed it again and now the sign says “no red allowed”.

This is because a third lane has been added and federal regulations will not allow the free right to continue.

“It’s pretty boring. It's noon and it's like traffic for no reason. It's sad. It doesn't matter what time of day it is. There is still traffic.

Work in the area should be completed by the end of fall.

FDOT also said the First Coast Expressway, which is still under construction south through Green Cove Springs, will absorb much of the traffic that usually drives U.S. 17 and make travel easier for everyone.