83rd Street renovation project launches with opening ceremony
November 5, 2026
A bucket loader roared to life, among a cheering crowd, marking the ceremonial start of long-awaited renovation work on NW 38th Street, Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus address.
Alachua County officials were joined by Santa Fe College in a kick-off event Thursday, Nov. 5, along road between SF and The Village. All spoke of the importance of partnership in making the work happen and making it happen more than year earlier than planned.
The county reports that there are more than 12,000 trips on 83rd each day, making it a critical throughway.
“The Northwest 83rd street project represents our commitment to safer travel, better connectivity and a stronger community,” said Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman. “It also demonstrates our understanding of the foundational importance of Santa Fe College staff, faculty and students.”
She was joined by County Commissioner Anna Prizzia, who spoke about the $4 million
project.
“The exciting part, in addition to the surface work, is that we are going to be adding sidewalks, making improvements to the shared use path and also creating better pedestrian crosswalks so that this road becomes not only better to drive but safer for everyone in all modes of transport,” she said.
She also noted that the project goes beyond paving.
“It’s also about community collaboration and support and we look forward to continuing to work with Santa Fe College on so many things,” including SF’s Heavy Diesel Mechanics Training program housed at the county’s Public Works fleet shop.
It was a sentiment reflected by Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II, who noted that SF has 70,000 visitors to the campus each year, for classes, fine arts performances, visits to SF Teaching Zoo, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Spring Arts Festival and more. He called the improvements transformational.
“These improvements will make a better experience for every single person who travels to Santa Fe College and we thank you for that and we thank you for your very strong partnership day in a day out.”
Student body president Isabella Crillio noted that it wasn’t just a road. “It tells
us that our community cares about Santa Fe College and cares about the students.”
Gainesville City Commissioner and former SF Police Chief Ed Book, a long-time advocate for the project, also praised the partnership and noted the critical safety improvements the road would bring. He also noted the renovation to 23rd Street, also done in partnership with the College.
Public Works Director Ramon Gavarette, noted some of the $250 million in road projects recently completed or soon to begin, and provided a timeline for the 83rd Street project, which begins this week with concrete work.
Planned Improvements and Timeline
Roadway rehabilitation: Milling and resurfacing the existing asphalt pavement and applying new pavement markings.
Pedestrian improvements: Installing a sidewalk along the east side of the road, repairing the shared-use path on the west side, replacing curb ramps at signalized intersections and installing a raised crosswalk with flashing beacons between Admin Road and NW 31st Ave.
Traffic signal upgrades: Reconstructing traffic signals at North Road, South Road and NW 23rd Ave., including installing optical vehicle sensors and replacing electronic components.
To minimize disruptions to travelers and students, most construction will take place at night, between 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
Nov. 9: Concrete work is expected to begin this week and take approximately one month.
Dec. 14: Asphalt work, including construction of the raised crosswalk, is expected to begin the week of Dec. 14 and take approximately three weeks.
Early 2027: Traffic signal work is anticipated to begin and take approximately one month, depending on the arrival of equipment and parts.
