A new phase of construction for the soon-to-be pedestrian bridge that will cross over State Road 100 began today (June 9) as crews, using a crane, installed the first of several colossal, concrete beams across the roadway. The beams are being trucked in on oversize trucks.
Motorists will encounter nighttime lane shifts on June 12 and 13, and today were encountering lane closures, reducing SR100 to one lane for each direction, though that did not seem to cause undue back-ups.
“We are very excited about the progress of the future Graham Swamp Pedestrian Bridge and trail,” said County Engineer Faith Alkhatib. “This scope of work will take about one week to complete and will require periodic lane closures.”
“We appreciate everyone’s patience during this period of construction of the new enhancements to the Flagler County trail system,” Alkhatib said.
The bridge, along with its associated trails and sidewalks that round out the project, link the Lehigh Trail, Old Kings Road sidewalk, conservation lands in Graham Swamp, and the Flagler County owned property known as Bulow “Parcel D,” which has potential for future trails.
The $9.48 million pedestrian bridge construction project east of Interstate 95 and Old Kings Road and before the Flagler Beach bridge is largely funded from federal sources. It includes the construction a 1.6-mile paved “shared-use” path that will be 12 feet wide and cross the Graham Swamp Conservation Area from just south of State Road 100 to the Lehigh Trail. There will be an 8-foot-wide concrete sidewalk along the south side of State Road 100 that will connect with the existing sidewalk along Old Kings Road.
The crowning feature is currently under construction – an enclosed pedestrian bridge spanning the four-lane divided highway, which will provide a critical connection to serve pedestrians and bicyclists now and in the future.
The project spent years on the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Alternative Priorities ranking list (also referred to as TAP projects). The process began in 2018 when the County Commission approved the $1.5 million design phase, also paid without the use of local tax dollars, though ultimately taxpayers are paying for the whole project.
“The Engineering Department works very hard to plan ahead to meet the wants and needs of our community,” Alkhatib said. “It’s better to plan for the future, rather than react once the need is there. We know our residents embrace Flagler County’s outdoor amenities and trails.”
ASF says
Stupidest. Project. Ever.
Richard Smith says
What a waste of money….
Ranger says
No kidding , only 9 or 10 million dollars, and destroying the headwaters of the Bulow creek.
oldtimer says
And still most streets in palm coast are dark….. This was important?
Waste,fraud,abuse says
I’d like to know how a project like this gets approval? What percentage of the area population will use/benefit from this pedestrian eye sore? When I think of how that money could be spent, to benefit so many more residents of this county, expand the free clinic services, offer dental clinics, mental health resources, street lighting, job training, the list goes on……
Skibum says
I am in favor of this project that was designed to add more bike paths to our local area. At some point, crossing the busy Rd. 100 was going to be necessary, and it is much safer for bike riders and pedestrians to have a dedicated, above the roadway path to do so. For those who are making negative comments about the project, do you not read the news and see how dangerous our roadways are for both pedestrians and bicylists? Florida is at or near the top of the nationwide list for these type of traffic fatalities. Now, let’s hope the City of Palm Coast starts thinking seriously about how to make residential neighborhoods safer. More sidewalks for people to actually walk on safely instead of in the street because of the swales would be a wonderful idea.
ULTRA MAGA says
The 9+Million could have been used to make Palm Coast roads SAFER with more Traffic Signals! STUPID Leadership Supports STUPID Projects! Your Vote is Important to remove STUPID Leadership!
BARBARA ROYERE says
I again this bridge is a total waste of money. We have to vote them all out. This is SOOO stupid. Your destroying the eco system, the animals, and a headache for all who drive 100. I hate the toll bridge & use 100 when ever I ca, You city & county reps are a disgrace.
We dont need more bike paths either
P.C. Parkway First! says
Why would we cross 100 first? How about a trail from Grahm Swamp crossing P.C. Pkwy near Colbert and link up to linear park and end up at Island walk with its restaurants coffee shop bars and stores, and maybe continue to Holland park? Makes me wonder what real estate deal down by 100 and Old Kings prompted this to happen first?
Finish One Boondoggle Before Beginning Another. says
rode my bike to play tennis at Holland Park with my 10 year old daughter yesterday morning, by 9:30AM is was super hot on the court, Sure would have been nice to cool off in the splash pad. Kids are out of school, Its a major heat wave, and nothing but chain link fences holding up keep out signs, finger pointing and lameness from our elected officials. Maybe if you finished this project expeditiously before diving into another every constituent wouldn’t be so adamantly opposed to your do nothing for it pay raise.
Denali says
Good Grief People – get your poop in a group. THIS IS NOT A CITY PROJECT.
No part of this money could be used for a city project. It is a county project. If you want things done in Palm Coast, go to the CITY council; likewise in Bunnell and Flagler Beach, visit their respective CITY councils. If it is in the unincorporated areas, go to the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. With very few exceptions through MOU’s, a city or a county cannot control the others actions or spending. If you do not know the difference between a city and a county, ask an eighth grader. If you do not know where the city limits are, get a map. Just quit trying to get the county to pay for improvements in Palm Coast or wherever, it does not work that way.
Betty says
Joke, just blacktop whole town, roads everywhere, buildings and call it Orlando 2.