Additional presentations will be posted following the public meetings. Stay tuned!

PROJECT OVERVIEW Q&A

last updated November 2024 to reflect final concept selected by City Commission in September 2024

Schedule + Opportunities for Feedback

1. How do I keep in touch?

This website, www.kingstreet.mlhhub.com, will continue to post updates throughout the design process. The City of St. Augustine will also provide updates through the “News and Notes” newsletter. You can sign up here: https://www.citystaug.com/list.aspx?ListID=270

2. How do I provide feedback?

You can email the Assistant City Manager directly at rfranklin@citystaug.com. Alternatively, you can use the Engage link on this website (https://www.mlhhub.com/engage).

3. Are there public meetings?

Public meetings are being held throughout the Spring and Summer of 2024. The next public meeting will be posted at www.kingstreet.mlhhub.com.

4. Will this project go to HARB and CRC?

The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) and the Corridor Review Committee (CRC) reviewed the plans on April 18, 2024. Both boards unanimously approved the concepts. HARB issued an “Opinion of Appropriateness”, which is issued at schematic design levels. A full “Certificate of Appropriateness” will need to be obtained during final design.

5. When will a final decision be made by City Commission?

The City of St. Augustine’s City Commission reviewed the plans in September 2024 and provided approval to proceed with design development.

6. When will this project start construction?

Anticipated construction will start in 2028-2029. Other projects, including the Bridge of Lions intersection, San Sebastian Bridge reconstruction, and the new “Broudy” garage will all be complete before King Street is under construction.

7. Will pedestrian and delivery access be maintained throughout construction?

Yes. Through a “maintenance of traffic” plan, pedestrian and delivery access will be maintained throughout construction. Close coordination between the City and businesses along the corridor, very similar to the Downtown Improvements District, will help to mitigate for the construction impacts.

Project Purpose

1. What is the purpose of the project?

Simply put, we’re looking to create “The Best Mile in Florida”, as directed by the City Commission of St. Augustine. We are considering the ‘Big Three’ of livability, history, and beauty to inform our design and decision process.

2. Why is this only for the eastern portion of King Street?

West King St is very much on the mind of the City team. It is controlled by the County, and if we are successful with the east side of King Street, the City may approach a similar program on West King Street. The City has recently approved an agreement for a new garage on the intersection of West King and US-1, which is in design; streetscape improvements will be part of that as well.

Vehicular Improvements

1. How will this project improve vehicular circulation?

The design team includes traffic engineers and experts in “phasing” traffic and light cycles. The goal for vehicles (i.e. cars) are to help them move more smoothly through the corridor, even though speeds will stay the same.

2. How can traffic move smoother through the corridor?

Examples include (a) better synchronization of traffic signals from US-1 through the Bridge of Lions, (b) opportunities to remove traffic signals for smoother flow of traffic, and (c) creating free flow traffic circulation around the western portion of the Plaza de la Constitucion.

3. Is there a designated transit lane?

There has been discussion in the City for decades related to a dedicated transit lane. Option “B” explores this option, but there are drawbacks, especially considering that it can only go from Malaga Street to Flagler College before the east-bound transit would need to transition back into the flow of traffic. There is no opportunity for a dedicated west-bound transit lane. Alternative routing for transit is being developed to move riders between the VIC garage, the new “Broudy” garage, and downtown stops.

4. Do the travel lane widths change from today?

The travel lane widths along King Street from Malaga to Cordova will remain the same width as today, which is 10’-6”+/-. Similar lane widths will be continued around the Plaza.

5. Are loading zones maintained?

Loading zones / delivery zones around the Plaza are maintained and expanded by 20%. See the FAQs on the Plaza below for more information.

6. Is parking impacted?

To improve delivery zones, pedestrian zones, and improved viewsheds, some parking has been removed around the Plaza. Based on the options selected, the total count goes down by 15 to 35 spaces (from 89 to 54-74). These can be further adjusted based on public and Commission feedback. While parking has been repurposed, note that a new multi-modal parking facility (the “Broudy” garage) has been recently approved on the west end of King Street / US-1.

Pedestrian Improvements

1. How will this project improve pedestrian circulation?

The design team includes landscape architects and urban designers, along with traffic experts, who have analyzed the pedestrian movements along King Street and throughout the Plaza. Along the portion of King Street from Malaga Street to Cordova Street, sidewalks are improved and widened when possible. Mid-block crossings are also introduced with Option A. Finally, dedicated pedestrian signals around the Plaza will allow for protected safe openings to cross while minimizing the vehicular signals that impede traffic flow.

2. How will the sidewalks be expanded even if the roadway width generally stays the same?

The current green strip will be transformed into a brick pathway. This brick creates a wider walking path balanced with shade from new palm trees, which mimic the historic palm tree plantings around Markland / Flagler College. The brick also creates a “rumble strip” to notify blind pedestrians of the roadway edge and to remind all pedestrians of their proximity to the road. The new sidewalk width also benefits from the reworking of the gutter, which will now redirect drainage to the center lane of the roadway.

3. What are mid-block crossings?

As shown in Option ‘A’, mid block crossings provide a crosswalk with a central refuge island for pedestrians to cross between intersections. Signage and a landscaped median will help to alert vehicles of these crossing locations. These are otherwise unsignaled crossings.

4. Will there be trees in the mid-block crossings landscape areas?

In coordination with the St. Augustine Fire Department, we will be keeping these landscape islands free of trees, allowing for emergency vehicles to continue along the middle lane when necessary.

Improvements for Other Mobility Users

1. Will there be bike lanes?

Due to the limited width of the right of way, the roadways will incorporate sharrows on the asphalt pavement. Sidewalks are also allowed to be used by bicyclists within the City.

2. How will this impact the green trolleys and red trains?

The overall traffic flow will move more smoothly along the corridor. With improved “green cycles”, the trolleys and trains will also benefit. Note that while it may seem that these users move slower than the 25 mph speed limit, the 2017 “Vehicles for Hire Study” from the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization showed that the average speed of these vehicles is approximately 23.5 mph (21 mph for Red Trains; 26 mph for Green Trolleys).

Malaga / King Intersection

1. What edits are being made at this intersection?

All turning movements / turn lanes will remain as-is. Turning radii are being designed to support turning movements by cars, trucks, delivery vehicles, and trailers. The intersection will be slightly elevated to improve pedestrian safety and to reduce flooding in the intersection.

2. Will there still be a traditional traffic light?

Yes, but it will be optimized.

3. How will traffic flow be improved in this intersection?

We will be increasing “green time” at this intersection by coordinating / linking the lights with those at the US-1 intersection and along the King Street corridor.

Riberia / King Intersection

1. What edits are being made at this intersection?

2. Will there still be a traditional traffic light?

Yes, but it will be optimized.

3. How will traffic flow be improved in this intersection?

A designated (i.e. “protected”) left turn (westbound) from Riberia Street onto King Street is proposed to be added. We also will be increasing “green time” at this intersection by coordinating / linking the lights with those at the US-1 intersection and along the King Street corridor.

MLK / King Intersection

1. What edits are being made at this intersection?

2. Will there still be a traditional traffic light?

Yes, but it will be optimized.

3. How will traffic flow be improved in this intersection?

We will be increasing “green time” at this intersection by coordinating / linking the lights with those at the US-1 intersection and along the King Street corridor.

Cordova / King Intersection

1. What edits are being made at this intersection?

The double turn lanes for cars heading south on Cordova remain as-is. The north bound turn lane for cars heading north on Cordova will be converted to a right-turn only. Other King Street traffic flow remains as-is. The intersection will be slightly elevated to improve pedestrian safety and to reduce flooding in the intersection. A central median will also remove the current reflectors and will improve views into the western portion of the Plaza de la Constitucion. Turning radii are being designed to support turning movements by cars, trucks, delivery vehicles, and trailers.

2. Will there still be a traditional traffic light?

No. There will be a pedestrian traffic signal that will turn red to allow for pedestrians to safely cross the intersection. The pedestrian signal will be synchronized with other pedestrian signals planned around the plaza. This will allow for freer flow of vehicles through this intersection.

3. Why is the left turn onto King Street for cars heading north on Cordova Street proposed to be removed?

Based on observed traffic counts, twice as many cars turn right onto King Street as turn left, but the left turning cars block overall traffic flow. By having all cars turn right, this allows for improved traffic circulation throughout this intersection in all directions.

4. If I am heading north on Cordova and want to turn left, how much time is added to my route to go around the free-flow plaza?

Eight (8) seconds will be added to travel time for left turning vehicles. However, intersection traffic congestion for all vehicles is improved and overall travel times are reduced.

St. George Street / King and St. George Street / Cathedral Intersections

1. What edits are being made at this intersection?

The section of St. George Street will be converted to north-bound only. This allows for a free flow of traffic around the western block of the Plaza de la Constitucion. Additionally, it improves pedestrian connectivity, visually enhancing the two sides of the Plaza, and it includes some on-street delivery / temporary parking at this important intersection to service the heart of the living city. Turning radii are being designed to support turning movements by cars, trucks, delivery vehicles, and trailers.

2. Will there still be a traditional traffic light?

No. There will be a traffic signal that will turn red to allow for pedestrians to safely cross the intersection. The pedestrian signal will be synchronized with other pedestrian signals planned around the plaza. This will allow for freer flow of vehicles through this intersection.

3. Why is the south bound travel being removed?

By having all cars continue around the western portion of the Plaza, this allows for improved traffic flow throughout this intersection in all directions. For vehicles looking to proceed south on St. George Street, 900 feet (29 seconds) are added to the travel time.

Charlotte / King Intersection

1. What edits are being made at this intersection?

All turning movements / turn lanes will remain as-is. Turning radii are being designed to support turning movements by cars, trucks, delivery vehicles, and trailers.

2. How will traffic flow be improved in this intersection?

We are coordinating with the Bridge of Lions intersection improvement project, which was approved by the Commission in May 2024.

King Street @ the Plaza Improvements

1. Will King Street south of the Plaza be one lane or two lanes?

Due to the queuing space needed for the Bridge of Lions, two east bound lanes will be maintained.

2. What happens to the delivery zones?

Delivery zone sizes expand 60’ from current total (120’ now; 180’ proposed) and general placement is being maintained. Additional delivery space / temporary parking has also been added to St. George Street.

3. Does the parking get adjusted?

Yes. The parking is adjusted to allow for a safe transition from Cordova Street as well as opening up views on the SW and SE corner of the Plaza de la Constitucion.

4. How does the parking count change?

Current spaces around the plaza total 89 spaces. With the modifications, 58 spaces will be around the Plaza. While parking has been repurposed for delivery areas, pedestrian zones, and improved viewsheds, note that a new multi-modal parking facility has been recently approved on the west end of King Street / US-1.

Cathedral Place @ the Plaza Improvements

1. Will Cathedral Place (north of the Plaza) be one lane or two lanes?

In coordination with the Bridge of Lions intersection redesign approved by the City Commission in May 2024, both options with 1-lane and 2-lane west bound work with the traffic models. City Commission decided on the one lane concept in September 2024.

2. If the 1-lane option is selected, will it impact traffic flow?

The traffic engineers have modeled the flow coming off of the new Bridge of Lions intersection design as well as from Avenida Menendez, and 1-lane supports the needed flow. The lane is being designed as a 16-foot width (larger than the standard 10 to 11-foot lane), which allows for room for cars to move around cars looking to park as well as space for emergency vehicles. Note that 4+ minutes of travel time savings have been shown in conjunction with the other improvements.

3. What happens to the delivery zones?

Delivery zone sizes and general placement are being maintained. Additional delivery space / temporary parking has also been added to St. George Street.

4. Does the parking get adjusted?

Yes. The parking is adjusted to allow for on street dining along Cathedral Place as well as opening up views on north side of the Plaza de la Constitucion.

5. How does the parking count change?

Current spaces around the plaza total 89 spaces. With the modifications, 58 spaces will be around the Plaza. While parking has been repurposed for pedestrian zones and improved viewsheds, note that a new multi-modal parking facility has been recently approved on the west end of King Street / US-1.

Utilities + Stormwater

1. Will this improve drainage along King Street?

Yes. All of the plans introduce an inverted crown, which brings stormwater away from buildings and sidewalks into the central brick lane (turn lane) as shown in Option ‘A’ or the dedicated transit lane as shown in Option ‘B’. Raised intersections will also improve pedestrian safety while promoting improved drainage through the intersections.

2. Will this improve City utilities?

Yes. All new City water and sewer is included.

3. Will this project underground electric?

We are aiming to underground electric to improve storm readiness and to improve aesthetics.

4. Will this project improve internet and communications infrastructure?

We will be coordinating upgrade opportunities for AT&T, Comcast, and others.

Special Events

1. What impacts from special events, such as Nights of Lights, have been considered?

Our traffic engineers and planners have obtained 2023 traffic data during the Nights of Lights which has helped us to determine where the critical and high-volume movements exist. This information will help us to maximize the travel flow efficiency around the Plaza area and along King Street corridor. Having this current/better information will allow us to develop a plan to adjust signal timings during peak events, as needed, to maximize traffic flow into and out of the downtown area.

Funding

1. Who is paying for these improvements?

The City of St. Augustine’s City Commission approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in 2022 to take over King Street, among other items coordinated between the City and FDOT. A project budget of $18 million is anticipated.