Hurricane Matthew caused millions of dollars of damage to A1A in Flagler County last October and the road to recovery for a permanent fix is still some time away.

But people in the area are now looking forward to what's ahead for the future of A1A.

  • 2017 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1
  • FDOT still considering permanent fix for A1A in Flagler County
  • Hurricane Matthew washed out the road last October
  • COMPLETE COVERAGE: Storm Season 2017

"Hurricane Matthew came through here like a freight train. It actually dropped the road into the ocean right in front of the Island Grille," said David Alfin, co-owner of Island Grille.

The work could begin in October 2018, which will include dune and work and road stabilization. The cost is shared by federal and state dollars. The city manager says detours will be expected.

David Alfin is pleased to see their business is coming back, but he said recovery from Hurricane Matthew had been slow going.

"The roadway was the worst because there was no way to enter or leave the restaurant from the front," said Alfin.

The storm battered and destroyed some of the scenic highway, but six months later sits a temporary roadway waiting for permanent repair.

"There's a lot of permitting that has to be done for a project like this," Larry Newsom, Flagler Beach City Manager.

The city manager said the Florida Department of Transporation is in the development stages for the roadway. FDOT is meeting with Flagler Beach leaders about designs and concepts, with two options in mind.

"One of the cross sections shows a grass median that divides the land that's being looked at from end to end, another (option) for the cross section is taking the roadway (and) moving the two-lane roadway, move it back over," said Newsom.

FDOT's report said both the south and the north end of A1A need repairs. He said at least a mile will need permanent repairs, and in Beverly Beach officials are looking at building a retaining wall underground for additional protection.

"Their work is going to be pretty intense," said Newsom.

The work will also be expensive. FDOT said they've set aside about $57.5 million. The state incurs about 25 percent of the cost which is about $14.5 million and federal incurs the other 75 percent.

But to the owners of the restaurant, they said the price of safety and security for the road to come will well be worth it.

"We now know it's going to take a while but for a good cause so we set our expectations properly and will work through it together," said Aflin.

The work could begin October 2018 which will include dune and work and road stabilization. The cost is shared by federal and state dollars. The city manager says detours will be expected.

Steve Olson, FDOT spokesperson said:

"Construction in one portion/segment includes a buried barrier for roadway integrity. There will also be dune work in certain areas, also required to support roadway integrity. Design is budgeted in FY 2018, which takes effect this July 1. Construction is budgeted for FY 2019, which takes effect July 2018."