A Corridor at the Crossroads
Ridgewood Avenue, also known as U.S. 1, has long been a defining artery through Daytona Beach. Stretching from Beville Road to north of Fairview Avenue, the roadway has carried generations of residents, tourists, and businesses. But in recent years, the corridor has struggled with aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and a need for modernization. Now, a new wave of investment promises to reimage Ridgewood as a safer, more vibrant, and more accessible destination.
The FDOT Project
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is spearheading a $10 million improvement project scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026. The plan includes:
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Resurfacing 2.9 miles of Ridgewood Avenue to improve driving conditions.
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Buffered bicycle lanes measuring seven feet wide, designed to encourage cycling and reduce vehicle conflicts.
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Four new pedestrian crossings equipped with hybrid beacons. These crossings will allow pedestrians to activate flashing signals that turn red, requiring drivers to stop before the crosswalk clears.
Officials say the upgrades are not just about traffic flow—they’re about safety, accessibility, and creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Redevelopment Vision
Beyond FDOT’s infrastructure work, Daytona Beach’s Redevelopment Advisory Board is studying ways to expand the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) to include more of Ridgewood Avenue. This expansion would allow the city to channel CRA funding into corridor improvements, supporting projects such as:
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Streetscape enhancements
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Business district revitalization
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Stormwater and sidewalk repairs
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Public space upgrades
City leaders emphasize that this redevelopment effort is part of a broader vision to restore Ridgewood Avenue as a hub of commerce and community life.
A Symbol of Renewal
The Ridgewood corridor is already seeing signs of reinvestment. Construction is underway on a new Fire Station No. 1 at 420 S. Ridgewood Avenue, replacing a century-old facility prone to flooding. The modern, two-story, 31,000-square-foot station is expected to open by March 2026, signaling the city’s commitment to resilience and modernization.
Community Impact
For residents, the changes promise safer travel, improved neighborhood aesthetics, and new opportunities for local businesses. For city officials, the redevelopment represents a chance to rebrand Daytona Beach as a family-friendly destination while addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges. The combination of FDOT’s roadway improvements and CRA-backed redevelopment could mark the beginning of a new era for Ridgewood Avenue.
Looking Ahead
The design phase is still underway, and public input will play a critical role in shaping the final plan. With construction slated to begin in late 2026, Daytona Beach is entering a pivotal moment. Ridgewood Avenue, once seen as a corridor in decline, is now positioned to become a showcase of renewal—blending safety, accessibility, and economic vitality.
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