A1A getting a makeover north of Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale

The section of A1A in Fort Lauderdale known as North Beach is getting a long awaited makeover. Although the section of A1A north of Sunrise Blvd. running along Fort Lauderdale beach has needed some serious TLC for decades, it is now going to get the attention it deserves.

“The road's transformation was prompted by huge waves generated by Hurricane Sandy in late October 2012. It caused the worst beach erosion in Fort Lauderdale in years. A few weeks later, after more heavy weather, a four-block section of A1A collapsed. The eastern sidewalk and parking spaces disappeared.”- Sun-SentinelNorth Beach has always been a more relaxed, family-friendly section of Fort Lauderdale beach than is more southern counterpart. It’s where you go if you actually want to relax, get some sun and enjoy the sand and surf. It’s no secret that the stretch of A1A needs a facelift and the city's new plan sounds like a great start. I would personally like to see the city add some public restrooms and maybe a concession stand to sell drinks and snacks. 

Here is a list of the project details.

• New, clearly marked 4- to 5-foot bike lanes each way.• A 10- to 17-foot wide beachfront promenade on the east side of the road, with a paver sidewalks on both sides of A1A.• Extension of the neon-lit wave wall that stretches along A1A south of Sunrise Boulevard.• Decorative, turtle-friendly pedestrian lights on both sides of the road.• New signalized crosswalks at Birch State Park, Northeast 15th Court and Northeast 17th Street.• A new raised landscaped median in front of Birch State Park.• Median islands and left turn lanes between Northwest 14th Court and 18th streets.