ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — Superior Construction has substantially completed the Summer Haven Beach Restoration project, demonstrating how Florida's vulnerable coastal areas can build resilience against intensifying storms. Local leaders and Superior Construction representatives unveiled the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. As part of the contract, Superior crews rebuilt and fortified Old Highway A1A in St. Johns County.
After Hurricane Matthew significantly damaged the section of Old Highway A1A in October 2016, Superior and design partner DRMP delivered a permanent solution through a phased design-build approach.
"Building on our success with phased design-build in Sanibel and other coastal areas, we've applied those lessons to create infrastructure that can withstand Florida's severe hurricane seasons," Project Manager Miguel Martínez said.
The comprehensive design includes:
- 2,000 linear feet of epoxy-coated sheet pile wall, extending 32 to 37 feet deep
- 5,800 tons of granite revetment rock for hurricane protection
- An elevated concrete roadway
- Advanced drainage exfiltration system
- New public beach parking to maintain community access
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Superior self-performed much of the work, including preparation for sheet pile installation, concrete cap construction, revetment rock installation, road reconstruction with new concrete pavement, and installation of a new drainage exfiltration system. Subcontractor ASAP Construction Group installed the sheet pile and anchors. The team utilized ASAP's equipment with integrated sheetpiler technology, which allowed for faster installation in challenging coastal environments with minimal vibration to preserve the conditions of the existing structures.
"Our use of a slipform paver enabled us to complete the concrete paving in just one week, enhancing both efficiency and quality," said Greg Brown, Division Manager for Concrete Paving at Superior. "These innovative approaches are essential for creating durable coastal infrastructure that can protect property and the lives of nearby residents."
The project inadvertently demonstrated its effectiveness during construction. When Hurricanes Milton and Helene struck while work was underway, sections where Superior had completed work remained fully intact, while unfinished areas experienced washouts — providing real-world validation of the engineering approach. The project, designed to withstand a 100-year storm event, was funded by FEMA and St. Johns County.
"This project is more than just infrastructure; it's giving peace of mind to the Summer Haven community," Martínez added. "Seeing residents return to beaches they've enjoyed for generations, knowing their homes and evacuation routes are protected by resilient engineering, reminds us why this work matters."
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Construction began in March 2024 and was completed on schedule and within budget.
