Orange Street east-bound may close under plan

The City of St. Augustine is reporting to Historic City News readers that work begins this week on improvements along Orange Street; a project that one day could include a brick pedestrian and sightseeing vehicle lane replacing the eastbound traffic lane.

Project Manager Jeremy Marquis calls Orange Street “the main pedestrian connection” between the Visitor Center, St. George Street and the Castillo.

The concept of closing Orange Street’s eastbound lane is part of the Transit in Parks design developed by Halback Design Group.

“Some members of the community were interested in closing Orange Street down completely from Cordova Street for pedestrians, trolley trams, and horse carriages only,” Marquis says.

“(But) there was direct concern about removing the ability to travel west-bound. Traffic counts collected in December 2010 supported these concerns, with nearly twice as many vehicles moving west between Cordova Street and South Castillo Drive.”

Under way with current funding are a sheltered, sightseeing vehicle stop at St. George Street and a brick crossing at Spanish Street. In the works is a brick pedestrian crossing to the Castillo with signals, and completion of the Cubo line from the City Gate to the Santo Domingo redoubt at Cordova Street.

Funding for these projects includes $1.4 million for the A1A Pedestrian Improvements Plan, secured by Congressman John Mica for pedestrian enhancements along the bayfront.

An additional estimated $9 million Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program is being sought to finance the Castillo-Bayfront Reconnection project, for which the city will seek multiple grants.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Halback Design Group, Inc