Muddy Creek Construction Nearing Phase 1 Completion

The first of a two-phase construction effort at the intersection of Muddy Creek Road and Route 214 is nearing completion, according to Department of Public Works (DPW) spokesman Matt Diehl.

Residents from the Mayo Peninsula and any commuter who takes Route 214 to and from work has been eagerly awaiting the construction’s conclusion, especially since its progress has been stalled numerous times.

Just nine days ago, traffic came to a stand-still in the early afternoon when workers occupied the right lane and shoulder of Route 214, with many residents citing the traffic light’s pattern as another issue with the intersection.

The area has long been identified as a “failed intersection” by Diehl and other county officials, and the $5.7 million project is finally heading towards its next phase.

As Phase 1 ends, construction will conclude along westbound Route 214 for an additional lane and northbound Muddy Creek Road for a double left turn lane.

Phase 2 will focus construction on two eastbound lanes for Route 214, creating a “dedicated right turn lane” on northbound Muddy Creek Road and developing shoulders in both directions for bicyclists.

Diehl said the majority of work will continue between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to cause minimal amounts of traffic delays.

It's anticipated that the entire project will be completed around October 2012, Diehl said.

"Obviously weather can be a factor as it has in the past, but that's the [estimated date of completion]," Diehl said. 

Here’s a brief overview of the phases once again:

Phase 1

• Construct an additional lane along northbound Muddy Creek Road

• Provide double left turning area with “receiving” lanes on westbound Route 214

• Construct an additional lane on westbound Route 214

Phase 2

• Construct two eastbound lanes on Route 214 through the Muddy Creek intersection with one being an optional right turn lane

• Construct a right turn lane on northbound Muddy Creek Road to get onto eastbound Route 214

• Develop shoulders in both directions to accommodate bicyclists

What do you think is the biggest problem with the intersection of Muddy Creek Road and Route 214?