The First Coast Expressway, also known as State Road 23, is a controversial new 46-mile toll road project. It will connect I-10 in West Jacksonville to I-95 in St. Johns County. This major infrastructure project will have significant impacts on the area. This is particularly true for the Silverleaf community, which is a master-planned development zoned for 16,300 new homes.
In this blog post, Jacksonville real estate expert Phil Aitken discusses how the First Coast Expressway will affect the Silverleaf community.
Key Takeaways
- The First Coast Expressway will run directly through the Silverleaf community, with a major interchange on St. Johns Parkway.
- This new toll road raises concerns about environmental damage and community displacement. People are also worried about increased traffic, noise levels, and commute times for Silverleaf residents.
- While the expressway may improve regional transportation, the toll fees could prove costly for frequent commuters from Silverleaf.
How Will The First Coast Expressway Affect The Silverleaf Community?
The Proposed Route and its Impacts
The First Coast Expressway is a controversial infrastructure project that has raised concerns among local residents and environmental groups. The proposed 46-mile toll road would connect I-10 in West Jacksonville to I-95 in St. Johns County.
The first phase is already complete, while the second phase is currently under construction. The second phase will connect Blanding Boulevard to State Road 16. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2030.
One of the key areas of concern is the route’s impact on the Silverleaf community in St. Johns County. The expressway is slated to cut directly through the heart of Silverleaf, with a major interchange planned at St. Johns Parkway. This master-planned community is zoned for a staggering 16,300 new homes. This makes it one of the largest residential developments in the region.
Environmental Impacts
The construction of the First Coast Expressway will require the clearing of thousands of acres of land, including wetlands and forests. This will inevitably lead to the destruction of natural habitats and the displacement of local wildlife. For a community like Silverleaf, which is close to many natural areas, this environmental damage is a major concern.
The increased air and noise pollution from the toll road could also have negative health impacts on Silverleaf residents.
Community Disruption
In addition to the environmental concerns, the First Coast Expressway also raises issues around community disruption. The routing of the toll road directly through Silverleaf raises fears that it could lead to the displacement of existing homes and businesses.
This could have a devastating impact on the tight-knit Silverleaf community, which has been carefully planned and developed over many years.
Traffic and Commute Concerns
Another key concern for Silverleaf residents is the impact of the First Coast Expressway on local traffic and commute times. While the toll road may improve regional transportation, the toll system could lead to increased traffic on nearby surface streets as drivers seek to avoid paying the fees.
This could result in longer commute times and greater congestion for Silverleaf residents, particularly those who will have to rely on the toll road for their daily commute.
While the toll road may offer regional transportation benefits, its construction raises serious concerns about environmental damage and community disruption for Silverleaf residents. As a Jacksonville real estate expert, Phil Aitken advises potential home buyers and current Silverleaf homeowners to closely monitor the progress of the First Coast Expressway and its implications for the community.
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