Magnolia Drive Construction Nears Completion; Road Expected to Reopen January 16

Leon County is preparing to reopen Magnolia Drive between Pontiac Drive and Diamond Street as final work concludes on Phase II of the Magnolia Drive Multi-Use Trail Project. The segment will reopen to through traffic on Friday, January 16, 2026, in the afternoon.

The reopened segment adds new trail and sidewalk connections, upgraded lighting, and critical underground utility and stormwater improvements to enhance safety and reliability. Phase II is funded by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency and represents an investment of approximately $9 million in construction.

“Reopening Magnolia Drive restores a critical connection for residents and commuters while delivering the safety upgrades and long-term infrastructure improvements,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “This project is about more than a roadway—it’s about building a safer, more resilient South Magnolia corridor for everyone who travels it.”

Phase II improvements include roadway reconstruction and major underground infrastructure work, along with enhanced multimodal facilities designed to improve safety and connectivity. Key Phase II elements include:

• New and improved multi-use trail/sidewalk connections
• Streetscape and lighting improvements to support pedestrian visibility and comfort
• Improved water and sewer infrastructure for increased storm resiliency
• A new traffic signal at Jim Lee Road and Magnolia Drive for improved traffic control and safety
• Conversion of overhead electric to underground electric (in coordination with partners)

Because much of the work occurred underground, including stormwater and utility upgrades, construction required sequential phases and extensive coordination to minimize service disruptions.

“The Magnolia Drive Trail represents a meaningful enhancement to the neighborhood—not just an aesthetic upgrade,” said Leon County District 1 Commissioner Bill Proctor. “By prioritizing safety and accessibility, this project improves quality of life and creates a greater convenience for residents.”

“We truly appreciate the patience our neighbors have shown during the construction,” expressed Leon County Vice Chairman David O’Keefe. “Now that Magnolia Drive is open, our community benefits from a safer and more efficient corridor, especially for children on their way to school. Thank you for enduring the inconvenience; together, we've paved the way for a safer future.”

The Magnolia Drive Multi-use Trail Project has been delivered in phases over several years to modernize the South Magnolia corridor and improve safety and connectivity for all users. Earlier completed segments upgraded roadway and multimodal infrastructure between South Adams Street and Diamond Street, helping establish continuous trail, sidewalk, and utility improvements leading into the current Phase II work.

Leon County and its partners are continuing work to advance the next segment of the corridor. Phase 3—from Diamond Street to Apalachee Parkway—is currently in design, with additional coordination activities underway to position the next phase for future construction.

“This project delivers meaningful improvements to the South Magnolia corridor: rebuilding the roadway while modernizing stormwater and underground utilities, and adding safer options for people walking and biking,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “I want to thank our County teams and the many partner agencies and contractors who helped make this project possible. We appreciate the community’s patience during construction, and we’re pleased to reopen Magnolia Drive with upgrades that will serve residents for many years to come.”

As the corridor returns to normal traffic patterns, drivers are encouraged to use caution and watch for pedestrians and cyclists using new facilities along Magnolia Drive.

To learn more about the Magnolia Drive Multi-use Trail Project, please visit LeonCountyFL.gov/Magnolia.

For more information, contact Brent Pell, Director of Public Works, at PellB@LeonCountyFL.gov / 850-606-1500, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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