Nocatee drivers, pedestrians and golf cart riders have a new traffic signal at the intersection of Preservation Trail, Colonnade Drive and Palm Valley Road. St. Johns County completed the project in August after construction that began in February 2026.

New signal adds golf cart, pedestrian crossings

The intersection improvements include dedicated crossings for pedestrians and golf carts, Action News Jax reported Tuesday. The county also released a video highlighting the new crossings and other changes, News4Jax reported the same day.

Signal ran in flashing mode for a week

The signal began flashing on July 30 and became fully operational on Aug. 4, according to a St. Johns County Instagram post announcing the activation sequence. The seven-day flashing period was meant to alert motorists to the new traffic pattern.

Both Colonnade Drive and Preservation Trail serve as primary neighborhood connectors in Nocatee. Vehicle volumes increase during school drop-off and peak commuter hours, Action News Jax reported.

Federal analysis confirmed the intersection qualified

Before starting construction, St. Johns County conducted a traffic signal warrant analysis under federal guidelines in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The analysis measures whether an intersection's traffic volumes justify a signal. This intersection met the required warrants.

Project manager touts clearer traffic movements

"This project is really about making the intersection easier and more predictable for everyone who uses it," Michael Likley, project manager for the St. Johns County Public Works Traffic and Transportation Department, told Action News Jax.

Likley said the signal gives each traffic movement its own designated phase, keeping vehicles moving while giving motorists a clear sense of when to proceed. The setup also serves golf cart riders and pedestrians.

"Whether you're driving, walking or using a golf cart, the signalization provides clearly defined movements that make it easier for everyone to navigate the intersection," Likley said.

The project includes a protected crossing phase for golf carts and pedestrians. The crossing connects surrounding Nocatee neighborhoods to nearby parks, shops and restaurants by cart and on foot.