The nearly $20 million project will replace the seawall along the bayfront promenade, swapping the existing post-and-chain barrier with a solid concrete wall.
By Jackson Brown, Jessica Clark / First Coast News
After more than two years of discussions and planning, a nearly $20 million plan by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to renovate downtown St. Augustine’s bayfront seawall gets underway starting Monday, June 15.
The plan calls for a complete facelift of the more than 60-year-old seawall, including replacing its existing post-and-chain barrier with a solid 3.5-foot concrete wall.
The plan was first proposed in 2024 and FDOT hosted several community meetings to hear from residents. The plan includes removing two of the city’s iconic guardian lions on the Bridge of Lions, Faithful and Firm, putting them back on the bridge when construction is complete in 2027.Â
Credit: FDOT
Construction will begin the week of June 15 alongside A1A from the Bridge of Lions to Charlotte Street.
FDOT officials said no lane closures will be permitted from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Residents should expect construction activity along the bayfront corridor and could experience impacts to pedestrian access along the waterfront.
The Florida Department of Transportation started its on-the-ground work Monday at the small park on the southwestern base of the bridge.
Currently, on the seawall, there is a chain connected to metals posts. Those are going away, and an actual wall will be constructed.
Also, pedestrians have walked on the top of the actual seawall for decades. That will change with the new seawall. Pedestrians will walk on a sidewalk next to the new wall.
The project’s work will start by the base of the bridge and progress north. Construction crews will work off of a barge in the water, aiming to lessen the effect on pedestrians and drivers, according to Renata Di Gregorio with the Department of Transportation.
“Construction is going to be taking place by barge that will really help to minimize any traffic impacts,” Di Gregorio told First Coast News. “Also, there will be some pedestrian detours put in place, but the construction is taking place. In phases and in sections, so the entire seawall is not going to be worked on at the same time.”
FDOT said construction is scheduled to end in Fall, 2027
Credit: FDOT
