FDOT outlines A1A corridor changes and US‑1 resurfacing; some raised crossings scaled back after local feedback

The Florida Department of Transportation on Thursday described a set of design and construction changes on State Road A1A through Daytona Beach and a resurfacing project on U.S. 1, saying the adjustments respond to feedback from emergency responders, businesses and residents. FDOT District 5 design engineer Ed Kestry told the City Commission the projects will alter medians, add and change raised intersections and mid‑block crossings, and install new bicycle and pedestrian features. Kestry said the A1A project, running from International Speedway Boulevard north to Millsap Road, will repurpose bidirectional turn lanes, add some dedicated turn lanes at Plaza Boulevard and Bel Air Plaza, extend a northbound left lane at Harvard Drive and provide dedicated left‑turn signals there. The project also includes seven raised intersections and ten raised mid‑block crossings that will use rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs); FDOT said several previously planned raised elements will be converted to at‑grade crossings or softened to a gentler slope after discussions with city fire and police. FDOT described additional corridor changes: narrowing some travel lanes, adding chicanes and bulb‑outs for traffic calming, restoring on‑street parking where feasible, and adding pedestrian lighting and pavement markings at crossings. For the separate US‑1 resurfacing project — from Belford Road to Taylor Avenue — FDOT plans buffer bike lanes, four at‑grade mid‑block pedestrian crossings with pedestrian hybrid beacons (a signalized device), lighting and signal preemption upgrades and master‑arm replacements near the new fire station site. City commissioners and residents raised concerns about emergency vehicle access, motorcycles and local business access. Kestry said FDOT met Monday with Daytona Beach police and fire officials and removed one raised crossing from the southern end of the project at their request. He said the design change to raised crossings replaces an earlier 1:12 slope with a gentler 1:20 slope for a softer ride and less abrupt vertical profile. Kestry also said FDOT will coordinate bus stops with the local transit agency, Votran, and will consider bus bays where right‑of‑way and utilities permit. FDOT emphasized that some modifications have already been built and others are being staged; Kestry asked for patience during construction and said additional design work and coordination with city staff, utilities and county partners remain. No formal commission action was taken; the presentation was for information and comment.