- July 26, 2024
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Construction may begin as soon as October on the long-awaited parkway connecting State Road 100 and U.S. 1 could in Bunnell, while July could bring the completion of the S.R. 100 pedestrian bridge and trails.
Flagler County Engineer Faith Alkhatib presented updates on the two county engineering projects — the expansion of Commerce Parkway and the pedestrian bridge across S.R. 100 — during the April 17 County Commission meeting.
The Commerce Parkway expansion project will extend the current Commerce Parkway from S.R. 100 to U.S. 1 in south Bunnell, a total of approximately 1.7 miles in length, bypassing downtown Bunnell.
Design plans will be complete in May, Alkhatib said, and the county will send out for bids over the summer with the hope of beginning construction in September or October.
“We are anticipating an 18-month construction schedule for this project,” Alkhatib said, “and this project will be completed April 2025.”
Alkhatib said the new Commerce Parkway will have speed limits of 20 mph along the existing section, but 35 mph along sections of the new connector road. It will have two 11-foot wide lanes with 8-foot shoulders — 5 feet of which will be paved — and a 5-foot sidewalk along the east side of the road.
The connecting roadway has been in the works for over 10 years, but the city and county governments hae hit snags on funding.
Because the project was shelved in 2017, Alkhatib said, the design will need to be updated.
It’s been a long time coming. We need this done. — Greg Hansen, Flagler County Commission Chair
“It’s been a long time coming,” Commission Chair Greg Hansen said. “We need this done.”
The final project cost is expected to be $14.2 million, but Flagler County has $14.93 million available for the project. That money comes from a myriad of state and county resources, Alkhatib said, including $6.8 million from legislative grants, $3.2 million from Flagler County east impact fees, $3 million from Bunnell for utility construction and $1 million from the city for general construction.
“[The new road] will enhance safety during emergencies, and also it will promote growth at this area,” Alkhatib said.
The Graham Swamp trail and pedestrian bridge has also been progressing smoothly, Alkhatib said — construction began in 2022 and is scheduled to be complete around July.
“At that time, we’ll have a big celebration,” Alkhatib said.
The new trail connects the Lehigh Trail and cuts through Graham Swamp to S.R. 100 as part of the New Graham Swamp Trail System, according to Alkhatib’s presentation.
The trail and bridge will also connect the Graham Swamp Trail to the future proposed Bulow Creek Headwaters Park on the south side of S.R. 100.
The project is expected to cost $12 million, Alkhatib said. Most of that funding came from the federal highway department, she said.
I call it the ‘Bridge of the Future,' because it's going to really make a tremendous difference. — David Sullivan, Flagler County Commissioner
The work includes a new sidewalk along S.R. 100 to connect to Old Kings Road, three elevated boardwalks and 1.94 miles of new trail. The pedestrian bridge is 18 feet wide, while the trail is 12 feet wide.
Commissioner David Sullivan said that the trail connections and other future projects will have a large impact on the south part of the county.
“I call it the ‘bridge of the future,’” Sullivan said. “Because it’s going to really make a tremendous difference.”
