The Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center

[Jason]

What I have yet to understand is why the skyway crossed over W. Bay Street.  That terminus would have been a breat addition to eigher a more compact transportation center or an expanded convention center or BOTH!  Then, even using their current plan, everything could be shifted down a block.

[Ocklawaha]

I was at the meeting fussing with the FDOT guys... When I opened the first volley, you could hear the JTA crew stampede for the back doors.

BUS, it is ONLY FOR BUS,

JTA bus
GREYHOUND bus
BRT bus
"TROLLEY" bus (potato chip trucks)

They consider the Skyway DEAD.

Amtrak or any other rail is an after-thought.

The main buildings are NOT being planned to handle ANY type of Light Rail Vehicle, old or new, streetcar or heritage. They are NOT being designed for double deck buses, or any change in current bus tech. Roof clearance will NOT allow for Trolley Buses, or electric streetcars.

For all of JTA's "We'd like to do rail, someday..." (Blaylock at the DMU show), they obviously have not one dime to spend on doing rail "SOMEDAY" or "TODAY".

I have almost lived at the Prime Osbourne the last few days, over, under and through it. There is NO REASON, why the tunnels can't be used for 4-5 upper level tracks, ending at Park Street Viaduct.

3 More tracks on the lower level at the tunnel mouth, could be for Amtrak on FEC.

Light Rail, COULD come in on two of those upper tracks and dive under the bridge in a tub and about a 8% grade. The Skyway, could do the same thing, or come around back.

There is more then enough room for the entire JTA and Greyhound facility, upstairs there is plenty of room for JTA offices of Transportation "whatever". Even better, there is room for a REAL transit agency offices, and turn the current JTA offices into the highway agency.

I'd love to play re-group the buildings and try and build it all at the "JACKSONVILLE UNION TERMINAL" yes, I knew Prime Osbourne, forget it, sorry Prime, it's JACKSONVILLE UNION TERMINAL... FOREVER!

Ocklawaha

[Charles Hunter]

I think the changes at the Skyway station include a 4 level parking garage, with space for shops on the ground floor, a "pedestrian plaza" facing Johnson Street, and BRT stations on both Bay and Forsyth streets. Don't know if it includes a pedestrian bridge across Bay to the Conv. Center / Amtrak station.

[JeffreyS]

Nice post Ock.

[thelakelander]

Ock, how extensive is the tunnel system you explored?  Imo, it needs to be saved and restored at all cost, regardless of if JTA/FDOT incorporate it into their plans or not.  At the very least it would be an attractive spot for a railroad or transporation museum.  My fear is that they eventually move forward with their plan the way it is drawn up and destroy the tunnel system in the process.

[Lunican]

Is Union Terminal protected by any sort of historical designation? If so, wouldn't the tunnels be included as part of the station?

[thelakelander]

Its on the National Register and its a local landmark.  From this image, I would assume the tunnel system is at least longer than the length of a full city block.

[downtownparks]

Hey Lake, I found a great site, that helps fill in some of the gaps of the old aerial photos like this...

http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/digital/collections/FLAP/

[thelakelander]

Thanks, I'm going to have to do a little exploring with that site.

Is this the tunnel entrance in the background?

[Lunican]

1943 2C - 206 has the Terminal in it.

[thelakelander]

http://www.flarr.com/jtc4.htm

[Ocklawaha]

Hey Y'all:

This is very close. Lake, your image shows the main tunnel but not the boarding tunnels. I would love to know which of the side tunnels are left. We could access 2 and saw evidence of a third.

I'm planning to go back soon, as several reporters want to go with me. Let me know, if any of you want to go. Also the old FORD PLANT, let me know when you want to bust in there too.

Sorry about missing tonight, I was at City Council this morning and it went VERY well indeed. Looks like another meeting maybe next Weds. about 1pm.

Ocklawaha

[thelakelander]

Let us know when you plan to go back out there and to the Ford plant.  I'd like to tag along, but I'll have to make sure I won't be missing any meetings at work.

Btw, how did the council meeting go?  Steve had taken the day off to attend, but Diane told us it was canceled until next month.