Work has started for the second phase of the first coast expressway, which will link Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties once it’s completely done.
Pile driving work for the toll road is being done in the Lake Asbury area near some new neighborhoods.
“People moved out here to get away from the city. And now we’re getting an expressway,” Sandra Hayles said.
Hayles lives just down the road from where a large toll road will be built.
Phase two of the First Coast expressway going from Blanding Boulevard to State Road 16 in Green Cove Springs.
The construction of phase two is something that Hayles hopes to avoid.
“It’s going to be hectic,” she said.
Last week, crews began pile-driving work in Lake Asbury.
FDOT says no work can be done between 7 pm and 7 am Monday through Friday, and no work can be done on weekends.
Hayles and other residents expressed concerns about noise and access to residential neighborhoods
Hayles lives in Silver Creek and worries the toll roads could reduce the values of property that were once coveted.
“[A toll road] in between neighborhoods? It doesn’t make sense to me,” Hayles said.
The second phase of the First Coast Expressway is expected to finish in 2025. Anyone with concerns or complaints about the construction can call FDOT at 386-269-3490.