June 8, 2022 – A new phase of construction for the soon-to-be pedestrian bridge that will cross over State Road 100 begins Thursday (June 9) when crews begin to install beams across the roadway.
“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.”
Motorists will encounter nighttime lane shifts on June 12 and 13.
“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 that is situated east of Interstate 95 and Old Kings Road is largely funded from federal sources. It includes the construction a 1.6 mile paved “shared-use” path – 12 feet in width – that will go through 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 process for the project – that spent years on the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Alternative Priorities ranking list (also referred to as TAP projects) – began in 2018 when the Board of County Commissioners approved the $1.5 million design phase, also paid without the use of local tax dollars.
“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.”
Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy, MPIO