Fernandina’s First Avenue has Been Repaved, Again

I can remember when Atlantic Avenue was made of concrete. I remember the expansions joints and how the car would make a bump sound on each of them.

Today, I was in the area of South Fletcher Avenue in Fernandina Beach meeting with a client. After my meeting I decided to take a quick ride up First Avenue just to see what has changed since my last visit through the area. I ran into road work under construction. Heavy equipment and big trucks with workers were buzzing around as they performed their jobs. I couldn’t help but think of how nice it is that the road will be like new, again. I gave this some thought and I could remember the last time this road work was done. Why do we continue to do things that don’t last?

I couldn’t help but think of the roads in Europe and they have lasted for many years. They remain in great condition and need very little repair. Why then can’t we duplicate what they have been doing, it obviously would save us a ton of money and make life a lot easier. Perhaps I am being just a tad too sensible here, after all this is America and we need to have projects that continue, right?

The roads in Europe that have endured for many years are all made of concrete, not asphalt. I can remember when Atlantic Avenue was made of concrete. I remember the expansions joints and how the car would make a bump sound on each of them. In this country the concrete slowly gave way to asphalt and we seem to have a continuous repair and replacement problem. Just take a look at Hwy 200 between the Shave Bridge and Yulee. This stretch of highway is in terrible condition, it is coming apart in places and when it rains it seems to be even more dangerous due to the water pooling in the rough spots.

So why do we continue to do the same things over and over? I guess it is because we continue to accept the things that our elected leaders decide are best for us all, that’s the way it has always been and I guess the way it will continue to be. It just seems to me that the introduction of roads made of a material that will last is much better then the roads made of materials that don’t last. Oh well, life goes on and asphalt will be laid on First Avenue, yes it will be nice for a while but in the years to come we will see the same work being done again, just at a higher price.

Hope you enjoy the picture of Atlantic Avenue to the beach, made of concrete.