A major transformation is on the horizon for one of downtown St. Augustine’s busiest corridors, as transportation officials and city leaders move forward with an $18 million redevelopment plan for King Street.
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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is partnering with the City of St. Augustine to fund and guide the redesign. The project will focus on the half-mile stretch between Malaga Street and Cordova Street, a key connector between Ponce de Leon Boulevard (U.S. 1) and the Bridge of Lions.
City commissioners have approved the “Concept A” design plan, with construction currently projected to begin in 2028 after engineering and logistical planning are completed.
Project leaders say the redesign is about more than traffic upgrades — it is about extending the character of St. Augustine’s historic core further west along King Street.
“The idea is to really focus in on the history and the mobility of King Street so that we can take our historic district, our historic core and really bring that aesthetic all the way out to U.S. 1 or Ponce de Leon Boulevard,” Jeremy Marquis, CEO of Marquis Latimer & Halback Inc. said, and one of the project managers.
The approved concept includes:
Planners say the upgrades are designed to improve walkability and better accommodate both residents and tourists navigating the busy corridor. The addition of pedestrian crossings aims to reduce congestion at intersections while creating safer crossing opportunities in high-foot-traffic areas.
Beyond aesthetics and traffic improvements, the project also includes infrastructure enhancements aimed at strengthening the corridor against severe weather.
“It will be more hurricane-ready and storm-ready,” Marquis said. “We’re working with Florida Power and Light to see if we can underground all of the electric and the utilities that run along King Street so that it will be more storm-ready and resilient.”
Undergrounding utilities could reduce power outages during storms and improve long-term reliability. Resilience planning has become increasingly important in Northeast Florida, where hurricanes and tropical systems pose regular threats to infrastructure.
FDOT officials say these improvements are intended to ensure King Street can better withstand flooding and high winds while maintaining access for emergency vehicles and daily commuters.
While construction is still two years away, some business owners along King Street are already preparing for temporary inconveniences during the building phase.
“I’ve been here for six years, and it’s always been a challenge to get the people down here, because they’re mostly in villas in that area. and in that area,” Lisa Meyers, an employee at Art Box on King Street, said. “This new project, I’ve been waiting for and looking forward to it. I know it’s gonna be difficult in the short run, but I think in the long run it’ll be good.”
To reduce disruptions, Marquis said construction crews are expected to schedule much of the work at night, when traffic volumes are lower and many storefronts are closed. Officials say maintaining access to local businesses will be a priority throughout the project timeline.
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King Street serves as a major gateway into downtown St. Augustine, carrying both local commuters and tourists entering the historic district. Officials say the redesign is intended to create a safer, more cohesive corridor that reflects the city’s historic charm while meeting modern transportation demands.
With expanded sidewalks, improved crossings and upgraded storm resilience, the project aims to balance heritage preservation with forward-looking infrastructure planning.
Additional information about the “Concept A” design is available on the project website as city and state officials continue refining the plan ahead of the 2028 construction start date.
Originally reported by News 4 Jax.
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