Smaller ramps for Main Street Bridge one step closer to being removed

[thelakelander]

By David Chapman, Staff Writer
While the Jacksonville Landing continues to be looked at for a possible overhaul, an area just outside its doors could be closer to a major change.

Toney Sleiman, who owns the Landing, said Wednesday the idea to remove the on- and off-ramps from the north side of the Main Street Bridge has progressed.

Sleiman, City Council member Bill Bishop and Downtown Investment Authority CEO Aundra Wallace met with the Florida Department of Transportation about removing the structures.

And the "good news was the ramps could possibly come down, Sleiman told the Southside Business Men's Club on Wednesday.

He said the department asked for a traffic study, which was done, and now the state agency needs a public hearing and a letter from the city indicating it wants the ramps removed.

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542457

[ChriswUfGator]

They've already removed ramps on the other side as well. Why are we so obsessed with turning every local street into an expressway? I don't get it. Ease of use people, ease of use...

[tufsu1]

They've already removed ramps on the other side as well.

huh...which ramps would those be?

[Tacachale]

This is one of those things that will have a potentially major positive effect fin exchange for a relatively minor inconvenience. Glad to see it's getting some traction.

[Overstreet]

If they remove the ramps on the north side of the Main Street Bridge who gets the air rights. Is Tony S. in favor cause he then gets a space to build a tall building?

[jaxjaguar]

If they remove the ramps on the north side of the Main Street Bridge who gets the air rights. Is Tony S. in favor cause he then gets a space to build a tall building?

Yes. This was a big topic at the meeting regarding the Landings future in December. It seemed to be pretty well recieved by all in attendance.

[IrvAdams]

I think it's a good move. The main arteries in DT seem to be organized to rush people through, instead of inviting them to slow up and look around. One less ramp, especially one cramped into a tight space, will not only look better but provide for more automobile and pedestrian interaction with the area.

[tufsu1]

^ the challenge will be that the two ramps (especially the one coming up from the Landing) are how a majority of pedestrians access the bridge...so they will have to add new switchback ramps down to the riverwalk (similar to the one on the riverwalk crossing the RR tracks)

[IrvAdams]

^^ But at least these ramps can be designed and built for pedestrians only, not part of an auto ramp; that way, they can be more accommodating of foot/bike traffic, and perhaps more attractive as well.

[JayBird]

And the walkway on the landing side of Main Street will be pretty much unaffected. It already crosses the ramp and goes to Bay Street. So I'm sure that'll be an easy fix. As for the Hyatt side, yes that'll need work but that's also a positive because it currently puts two blocks east by the time you hit roads. Some system that puts you right down on the riverwalk would be good. It might block access for bikes on that side though.

[Debbie Thompson]

Did you see the mention this would again allow two way traffic on Main and Ocean?  Two way traffic on Main and Ocean can only be positive for all of the Urban Core.

[thelakelander]

I seriously doubt removing these ramps will allow for two way traffic on Main and Ocean. I think that part of the article may have been a misquote from what was said during the December meeting.

[Debbie Thompson]

Oh. That's too bad. :-(