The County Road 220 bridge over Little Black Creek is open after a full replacement and four-lane widening, completing work more than three weeks ahead of schedule.

The project wrapped up before its mid-October target, according to News4JAX, which first reported the opening Friday. No workplace accidents occurred during construction.

The new bridge replaces a structure built in 1947. It sits along a corridor that connects the Middleburg and Lakeside areas of Clay County to Blanding Boulevard, a route used by commuters traveling between Clay and St. Johns counties.

Two phases widened CR 220, replaced 1947 bridge

The project had two phases spanning CR 220 from Knight Boxx Road to Hollars Place, according to Clay County's road projects page.

Phase 1 began in December 2024. It widened CR 220 to four lanes from Hollars Place to Chief Ridaught Trail and added intersection improvements at Rideout Ferry Road and Henley Road.

Phase 2 began Jan. 20, 2025. It widened the road from east of Chief Ridaught Trail to Knight Boxx Road, built the new four-lane bridge over Little Black Creek and upgraded traffic signals at Knight Boxx Road and Blanding Boulevard.

Wider road eases Clay-St. Johns commute

CR 220 is a key east-west connector for drivers moving between Clay County and St. Johns County. Residents of western St. Johns County who commute through the corridor now have a wider road and a modern bridge in place of the 79-year-old span.

Clay County said it worked closely with emergency responders and the school district throughout construction. All businesses and residents along the corridor kept full access to their properties during the work.

The opening came more than three weeks before the mid-October target listed on the county's project page.