FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Construction started on the first of two buried seawalls along A1A to help protect the roadway in Flagler and Volusia counties.
The Florida Department of Transportation said on Monday that work began on the first seawall, which is south from South Central Avenue in Flagler Beach to one-half mile north of Highbridge Road in Volusia County.
“This is one of the longest, continuous sections of S.R. A1A where drivers enjoy unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. However, that proximity to the sand and waves also makes this segment of A1A vulnerable to storms,” the department said in a release.
Work on the second wall, which will be from Sunrise Avenue to Marlin Drive in Ormond-by-the-Sea, will begin later this summer.
The department said work was sped up after recommendations were made by the S.R. A1A Resiliency Strike Team, which has representatives from FDOT, Flagler Beach, Flagler County, Volusia County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
During this construction, some dune walkovers will be temporarily removed. Beachgoers will be able to still access the beach from nearby walkovers and the area in front of the walls will be open for use.
“State Road A1A is a treasured corridor that provides tremendous quality of life and economic vitality to the communities along its length,” FDOT District Five Secretary John E. Tyler, P.E, said in a statement. “Our goal through this project was to develop a plan through community partnership and start construction as quickly as possible. At the same time, we have ensured all steps are taken to protect the natural environment.”
Residents who live on this stretch of A1A told News 6 the sounds and sights of construction are welcome for this project after dealing with washouts in the road creeping closer to their buildings.
“We are on this little barrier island and there’s nowhere else for A1A to go other than I guess close us down and tell you hey your condo is now worthless,” said resident Tim Currie, “This seawall is encouraging.”
FDOT said the seawall design “incorporates reinforced concrete piles, which are then capped. The entire wall will be covered with sand and vegetation that appears as a regular, natural dune.”
“The Department is adhering to state and federal regulations to protect sea turtles and other wildlife. During sea turtle nesting season, no work can begin until an inspector who is approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inventories the beach for any nesting activity. No work will be done within 10 feet of a nest, and all work will be done during daylight hours,” FDOT said in a release.
The first wall is expected to be done in the fall and the whole project is expected to be done by fall 2025.
To see the full project’s website, click here.
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