- November 20, 2024
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Palm Coast drivers will soon have to brave a major road project in the heart of the city.
Construction on the six-laning of Palm Coast Parkway is expected to begin within 60 days, city officials said Tuesday.
The project, which will cost about $13.5 million, is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. The city is funding $3.2 million of the project. The Florida Department of Transportation is funding the remaining $10.3 million.
In total, about 1.23 miles, from Cypress Point Parkway to Florida Park Drive, will be expanded to six total lanes, including the bridge that passes over Interstate 95 and dedicated turn lanes.
An 8-foot-wide sidewalk along the roadway and the bridge in both directions will also be constructed.
City officials said no historic trees will be removed as part of the six-laning project. However, 14 specimen trees were removed, and 30 new specimen trees will be planted. Additionally, 157 palm trees were removed, and 192 new palm trees will be planted. In total, 395 existing trees will be removed, but 458 new trees will be planted.
Trees have been relocated to the Indian Trails Sports Complex and Waterfront Park.
“This is a major, major project,” City Manager Jim Landon said. “We have literally been working on it for more than a decade. ... This is going to be wild and crazy, but it will be very nice when it’s finished.”
As Palm Coast continues to improve upon its recreational offerings, youngsters will have another way of cooling off in the not-too-distant future.
At Tuesday’s City Council workshop, council members were given an update on when improvements to Holland Park, located off Florida Park Drive, will begin to see improvements that were approved during the budgeting process.
A Splash Park and an improved playground is scheduled to be designed between now and March 2014. Construction will begin in June 2014.
Other improvements to Holland Park include added parking, a new bocce ball court covering, two new horse shoe pits, an enlarged dog park, more lighting and new fitness stations.
“I truly believe this playground and splash park will be a highlight for all the children in the community,” City Manager Jim Landon said. “This will be a huge, huge success.”
