Amelia Island Parkway, Buccaneer Trail Roundabout starts Wednesday

Motorists on Amelia Island should expect significant traffic changes beginning Wednesday as construction gets underway on a new roundabout at the intersection of Amelia Island Parkway and Buccaneer Trail.

Nassau County officials said Buccaneer Trail will be closed to through traffic starting Wednesday and will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is anticipated to be completed in early summer 2026, weather and other unforeseen circumstances permitting.

Amelia Island Parkway will remain open, but drivers should expect alternating lane closures between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. as crews prepare the site for construction. That means delays in navigating on the island.

The project is part of ongoing mobility improvements throughout Nassau County and is designed to improve both safety and traffic flow at the busy intersection. According to county documents, the roundabout will reduce conflict points where vehicles cross paths and is expected to enhance overall operations while lowering long-term maintenance costs.

Construction will begin with a series of nighttime traffic shifts intended to minimize daytime disruption. On Wednesday night through Thursday morning from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., work crews will perform lane shift modifications and restriping on Amelia Island Parkway. Temporary lane reductions and flaggers will be in place during those hours.

A second phase of nighttime work is scheduled for Thursday night, January 22, through Friday morning, January 23, also from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. During that period, contractors will install a low-profile barrier wall to establish the shifted lanes on Amelia Island Parkway and formalize the closure of Buccaneer Trail. Similar nighttime traffic restrictions will apply.

County officials said performing the most disruptive work at night aligns with Florida Department of Transportation traffic-control standards and helps reduce impacts on commuters. Daytime construction activities will follow in subsequent weeks, using a phased approach to maintain access for residents and drivers who regularly travel through the area.

The roundabout is being constructed by MAER Construction under a $1.82 million contract approved by the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners in December. The project includes roadway and drainage improvements, new pavement, striping and signage, sod installation, and roadway lighting, with a total construction timeline of approximately 170 calendar days after notice to proceed.

Residents with questions or concerns about construction or traffic impacts may contact project administrator Rafael Castro of KCI Technologies at Rafael.Castro@kci.com