Gov. Rick Scott (R) on Oct. 20 directed the Florida Dept. of Transportation to expedite restoration of a 1.3-mile-long stretch of state Road A1A in Flagler Beach, Fla., that had collapsed as a result of Hurricane Matthew-induced storm surge. The move, which requires the contractor to restore two-way traffic within 45 days of contract, differs from the more extensive—and expensive—reconstruction approach that FDOT officials advocated in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.
“Getting our communities back to work as quickly and safely as possible is our number-one priority, and we must make A1A operational as soon as we can,” the governor said in a press statement announcing his directive.