Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Begins, Flagler Boulevard Closed on West End

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – Rehabilitation on the historic Bridge of Lions will commence February 14, 2005 with the mobilization of construction equipment and the closure of the west end of Flagler Boulevard, which will become a cul-de-sac in the project’s final roadway configuration.

Flagler Boulevard is located in the Davis Shores neighborhood on the east end of the Bridge of Lions, just north of Anastasia Boulevard. Through the years, Flagler Boulevard has become plagued by motorists using the neighborhood street to get ahead of traffic heading west toward the Bridge of Lions. Closing Flagler permanently will eliminate cut-through traffic.

The rehabilitation of the Bridge of Lions, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is expected to last approximately five years, excluding potential weather delays. Special provisions during construction will help maintain the historic value of the structure upon completion. Originally opened to traffic in 1927, the Bridge of Lions spans the Matanzas River, connecting historic St. Augustine to Anastasia Island.

For more information regarding the bridge rehabilitation, contact Laurie Sanderson in the public information office at (904) 825-3647. The public information office will be closed February 10th and 11th, 2005, so please plan interviews and questions accordingly.