Building for Growth: Takeaways from September's EDC Breakfast
St. Johns County is making major investments in transportation, safety and quality-of-life projects designed to keep pace with growth and prepare for the future. Those plans took center stage at the Economic Development Council Breakfast hosted by the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, where local leaders shared updates on what’s underway and what’s coming next.
First Coast Expressway and the New Shands Bridge
Sarah Pleasants, community outreach specialist with the Florida Department of Transportation, outlined progress on the First Coast Expressway, a 46-mile roadway first conceived in the 1980s. The Duval County segments are complete, Clay County is nearly finished and construction is moving forward in St. Johns County.
One of the largest pieces is the new Shands Bridge, a nearly $600 million project across the St. Johns River. Once complete, it will include a multiuse path, scenic overlooks and public fishing piers, transforming a critical crossing into a community amenity.
“Construction is a temporary inconvenience for a long-term transportation solution,” Pleasants said. “This is a really great sign of investment in our state and in our region. It’s going to serve us well for many years to come.”
CR 210: Relief on the Horizon
County Administrator Joy Andrews addressed the long-anticipated widening of County Road 210, one of the area’s most congested corridors. After years of planning, the project is finally moving toward completion.
“This is a project that we’re finally seeing the finish line,” Andrews said.
On the west side, CR 210 is being widened from Greenbriar Road toward Cimarrone, with construction expected to be finished before summer 2026. On the east side, work continues along CR 210 from I-95 to U.S. 1, with a new interchange at U.S. 1 and the railroad tracks marked as a top priority.
Other Projects Highlighted
County leaders also shared updates on several specific projects now underway:
- Hastings Library – Opening in 2026 as part of Main Street’s revitalization.
- Field of Dreams expansion – Phase two, scheduled for completion this year.
- SilverLeaf Sports Complex – New athletic fields slated for 2027.
- Nocatee Regional Park and Library – A 40-acre site, also planned for 2027.
- Greenbriar Road widening – A $60 million project expected to finish in 2027.
- US 1 at Pine Island – Safety and traffic improvements in response to community needs.
- Crescent Beach Boardwalk – Recently completed and already open to the public.
The county also announced the launch of a new Featured Projects webpage, a one-stop hub with project descriptions, locations, budgets and staff contacts.
