City of Palm Coast Breaks Ground on Matanzas Loop Road Project

The City of Palm Coast officially commemorated the start of the Matanzas Loop Road project on May 14 with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking a major milestone in the City’s long-term transportation and infrastructure planning efforts.

Approximately 40 attendees gathered for the ceremony, including elected officials and representatives from Flagler County Government, Flagler Schools, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), project partners, contractors, and community stakeholders.

The Matanzas Loop Road project will improve connectivity on the west side of Palm Coast and includes the construction of a new roadway west of U.S. 1, as well as a bridge crossing over the Florida East Coast Railway to enhance safety and traffic flow.

The project is backed by approximately $125 million in state appropriations and FDOT funding. The long-term infrastructure initiative is designed to create a western beltway for Palm Coast, improving transportation connectivity throughout the city and supporting future mobility needs. 

State leaders and transportation officials have supported the project because the roadway is expected to play an important role in the future regional transportation network, including planned connections tied to the new County Road 2209 roadway system linking the Orlando and Jacksonville regions. As those regional transportation improvements continue to advance, Palm Coast’s Loop Road is expected to serve as a key local connector.

During the ceremony, City Manager Mike McGlothlin recognized the years of collaboration and planning that brought the project to construction.

“Projects like this take time. They take planning, coordination, problem-solving, and persistence,” said McGlothlin. “It’s about building something that serves our community today and for generations to come. It’s about making sure Palm Coast grows in a way that is connected, safe, and built to last.”

Mayor Mike Norris also addressed attendees during the event and spoke about the importance of connectivity for future transportation needs throughout the region.

Council Member Charles Gambaro rounded out the ceremony by thanking City staff, the County Commission, and everyone who had a role in making this project a reality. 

The City also recognized the many public and private partners who helped move the project forward, including FDOT, the Florida East Coast Railway, Florida Power & Light, the City of Bunnell, engineers, consultants, and contractors involved in the project.

Special thanks were extended to project partners and contractors including C. W. Matthews Contracting Co., England Thims & Miller, and Eisman & Russo for helping organize the groundbreaking event and providing event accommodations, refreshments, and commemorative items for attendees. Guests also enjoyed custom cookies provided by Reagie Baby Bakery, along with RTIC-branded tumblers and hats distributed during the event.

The Matanzas Loop Road project represents a significant investment in Palm Coast’s transportation network and is expected to support future connectivity, mobility, and economic development opportunities for the region.

In the groundbreaking photo, pictured from left to right: Interim Flagler County Administrator Adam Mengel, Palm Coast Council Members Ty Miller and David Sullivan, Mayor Mike Norris, County Commissioner Greg Hansen, Council Member Charles Gambaro, Palm Coast’s Stormwater & Engineering Director Carl Cote, City Manager Mike McGlothlin, Flagler Schools Deputy Superintendent Angela O’Brien, Flagler Schools Chief of Operations Dave Freeman, and FDOT District Five Strategic Initiatives Administrator Steven Buck. 

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