A study looking at the potential for a toll road connecting US 98 in Panama City to I-10 conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) was recently completed.
The study was initially commissioned by the Bay County’s Transportation Planning Organization last year.
“I think any high-speed avenue to I-10 from this area is a benefit to not only the immediate Panama City but the entire county at large,” Panama City Beach council member Michael Jarman said to ABC News 13.
The study looked at whether or not the road is necessary if there’s local support, and whether it’s environmentally and financially feasible.
Officials with Florida Turnpike Enterprise said the proposed toll road would meet all these requirements.
FDOT proposed three possible routes and broke down the projected revenue the tolls could generate compared to the cost of construction.
“Considering that the toll is based on the total miles of the turnpike, the center option was the shortest route,” Jarman said to ABC 13 News. “And so I would have to say that, you know, for me, that would be the best way to go.”
The board’s next step is to talk with the neighboring county’s regional planning council. From there FDOT will conduct additional studies.
The current timeline projects a possible completion date in 2035. However, officials warn that it could take longer.
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Source: ABC News 13
