Florida’s Coastal Highway – Building Resilience Against Storm Surges

Florida’s SR-A1A runs along some of the most scenic — and vulnerable — coastlines in the U.S. A series of tropical storms had eroded shoulders, undercutting the road base and forcing repeated emergency repairs. Local authorities needed a long-term fix that could survive high winds, salt spray, and seasonal flooding.

The solution involved elevating key segments of the roadway and fortifying the base with corrosion-resistant steel reinforcement. The surface mix incorporated polymer-modified asphalt and anti-stripping agents to combat saltwater damage. For drainage, engineers used oversized culverts and bio-swales to redirect stormwater into natural wetlands rather than letting it pool on the roadway.

Crews also implemented porous friction courses (PFC) to improve wet-weather skid resistance while reducing hydroplaning risks. Post-construction monitoring shows that the improved highway has not only withstood two hurricane seasons without major damage but also reduced standing-water incidents by 80%.

Local tourism businesses have benefited too — visitors can now travel the coastal route year-round without detours, boosting regional economic stability.