Completion of Regalo Road Improvements Celebrated with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

• 6 May 2026
• Category: SJC News
• Tags: 2026

$2.35 Million Project Enhances Connectivity Between U.S. 1 and Palencia

Key Information:

• $2.35 million Regalo Road project completed the final unpaved segment, creating a continuous connection between U.S. 1 and Palencia Village Drive.
• Improvements included paving, stormwater drainage upgrades, and related infrastructure enhancements that provide smoother travel, reduce delays, and improve connectivity for residents.
• The completed roadway reduces long-term maintenance needs for the County while improving access to nearby community assets, including a local park and school.

St. Johns County officials joined community members and project partners on April 28 to celebrate the completion of the Regalo Road improvement project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The $2.35 million project constructed the remaining unpaved portion of Regalo Road, creating a continuous connection between U.S. 1 and Palencia Village Drive. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this important project.

The project brought the roadway up to current County standards through paving, stormwater drainage improvements, and related infrastructure upgrades. These enhancements provide a smoother, more predictable route for daily travel while improving overall connectivity in the surrounding area.

“For years, this unpaved stretch of Regalo Road limited connectivity between U.S. 1 and Palencia,” said St. Johns County Chair and District 3 Commissioner Clay Murphy. “Today, we’re marking the completion of that link with a $2.35 million investment. What matters most is what this means for the community, more direct travel, fewer delays, and a roadway that functions the way it’s always meant to.”

“As someone who lives in this community and has traveled this road for many years, I have wanted this road paved for so long,” said St. Johns County Vice Chair and District 5 Commissioner Ann Taylor. “It’s going to be much safer because families and little ones are not going to have to cross the road to get to their cars.”

“This project reflects how St. Johns County listens and responds to the needs of residents,” said St. Johns County District 1 Commissioner Christian Whitehurst. “Not long ago, we were hearing requests to reduce dust and improve reliability along this road. Today, we’ve delivered a solution the community can be proud of, and I want to thank our Public Works team, County administration, and fellow Commissioners for their support in making it happen.”

“This is the beginning, and it’s going to keep going. This is what we need to do in this county,” said St. Johs County District 4 Commissioner Krista Joseph. “I’m so proud of Public Works and the team. It’s just been great.”

“This project focused on constructing the remaining unpaved portion of Regalo Road and bringing it up to current standards,” said Greg Caldwell, Director of St. Johns County Public Works. “We used to maintain this road several times a year, so this not only improves the roadway but also reduces our maintenance efforts moving forward.”

Prior to construction, the unpaved section required frequent maintenance, with crews regrading the road multiple times each year. The completed improvements reduce long-term maintenance needs while delivering a more durable and efficient roadway.

The project also enhances access to nearby community assets, including a local park and school, and provides an additional connection point to U.S. 1, helping to disperse traffic and improve travel options for residents.

The Regalo Road project highlights the coordination required across multiple departments, including Public Works, Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and environmental teams, to deliver infrastructure improvements that serve the community.

This project supports the St. Johns County Strategic Plan by investing in reliable infrastructure, enhancing mobility, and demonstrating responsible stewardship of public resources.