This hearing is being held to afford interested persons the opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, social, economic and environmental effects of Financial Project ID: 435575-1, otherwise known as I-295 at US 17 (SR-15). The Department is evaluating access management alternatives for proposed widening and reconstruction of US 17 from Collins Road in Duval County to South of Wells Road in Clay County. Traffic operations within the project study area show excessive delay and heavy queuing at the intersections along US 17 during peak hours as well as at the on and off-ramps to I-295. To meet study area traffic operation and safety concerns, access management alternatives in the form of intersection operational improvements were developed along US 17 near the Wells Road, Old Orange Park Road, Eldridge Avenue, and the I-295 eastbound and westbound off-ramp modification to turn lanes and medians, restriping to accommodate bicycle lanes, improved sidewalk facilities, and I-295 ramps intersection improvements including realignment of the I-295 off-ramps, additional turn lanes, and sign changes. Persons wishing to submit written comments may do so at the hearing, by mail, or via email to Eric Shimer at the number provided. All exhibits or statements postmarked on or before December 11, 2017, will become part of the public hearing record. If you would like to review the project information prior to the Public Hearing, it is available at the Orange Park Public Library, 2068 Plainfield Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 and the FDOT Urban Office, 2198 Edison Avenue, 2198 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.