I-295 East Beltway Being Expanded to 12 Lanes

[southsider1015]

Let us hope that FDOT does something about the chokepoint under JTB there is probably room for four lanes each way under this section and the backup also occurs where traffic from JTB moves onto I-295 northbound. If the these issues are not addressed properly the Lexus Lanes will be useless.

I-95 overpasses JTB,  so adding EL onto I-95 is really just widening existing bridges, I believe.  The JTB interchange project is addressing the WB JTB to NB I-95 and Belfort onramp weave that I think you're talking about.  Last concept I saw had a vertically separated "braid" onramp to eliminte the weave.

[southsider1015]

Talk about another cluster &***. This is another waste of Jax's time and funds at what point of time are we going to ever finish something that was started with quality? At what point are we going to have a project that was done not need repair or additions made within five to ten years? At what point are we going to inspect the minds of the people who are passing out permits like water to a fire? So many obvious questions yet most will not ask because not sure they are willing to demand answers or are worth the effort.

Good thing this project isn't funded by Jax funds!  Man, we'd be in serious trouble if JTA was still in the business of highways and bridges.

I get that you're frustrated, confused, uninformed, and tired of construction.  So many Jacksonville folks are, and we've got to do a better job of informing, discussing, and participating. 

I see you're new with only 2 posts.  Please stick around and stay connected!

[southsider1015]

um. JEA is the roadbuilding agency in duval southsider.

Um, you mean the Jacksonville Expressway Authority?  More like WAS.  And it hasn't been since 1971.

[wnettles]

Atlanta, here we come!   Heck, if FDOT were to widen the I-295 east corridor to 14 or 16 lanes, we would have even Atlanta, GA beat for the most significant amount of sand under asphalt.  The toll thing just needs to go away.  We got rid of toll roads a long time ago, and, for good reason.   They discourage economic growth and add to congestion and accidents.  Let's not go backwards, Jacksonville.

[southsider1015]

Sorry, I pressed send while auto spell was correcting JTA to JEA for me.  And yes, the JTA is the road building authority in Duval County.  Surprised you didn't know that.

Thanks.  Tongue in chee, my friend.  Without BJP, they haven't done much, and obviously, not enough to even maintain what we've got today.

[thelakelander]

^Pretty much.

Sorry, I pressed send while auto spell was correcting JTA to JEA for me.  And yes, the JTA is the road building authority in Duval County.  Surprised you didn't know that.

FDOT builds and funds their own roads throughout the state, including Jax too.

[copperfiend]

Atlanta, here we come!

Whats funny is the first thing I thought about when I saw the headline of this article was the old Better Jacksonville Plan commercials. With John Delaney sitting in traffic saying "Don't let Atlanta happen here".

[CCMjax]

^Pretty much.

Sorry, I pressed send while auto spell was correcting JTA to JEA for me.  And yes, the JTA is the road building authority in Duval County.  Surprised you didn't know that.

FDOT builds and funds their own roads throughout the state, including Jax too.

Who is picking up the tab for the current I-95 project south of Fuller Warren?  And who is picking up the tab for 9B and this proposed section of 295?  JTA or FDOT, I'm confused.  Where is the line drawn for highway projects between city and state?  Do they both contribute?

[thelakelander]

All those are FDOT projects. JTA doesn't have much money. FDOT typically funds and maintain interstates and state highways. COJ funds and maintains local streets. JTA occasionally builds streets but I don't believe they are set up to maintain them.  In other words, FDOT is funding most of the major construction projects in town, at the moment.

[southsider1015]

Status Update:

The 2nd place bidder (Superior Construction) has protested FDOT's Intent to Award to the 1st place bidder (Archer Western).  The protester claims that the procurement process wasnt properly followed, and that the winner had an unfair advantage.  The project is on hold until further notice.

Meanwhile, traffic is gridlocked on I-295, JTB, and 9B. 

[thelakelander]

The traffic is far from "gridlocked" but this is an interesting turn of events. This will be a big money maker for firms that have made a living relying on a continuous flow of these types of public projects to keep their doors open.  To be honest, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.

[CCMjax]

The traffic is far from "gridlocked" but this is an interesting turn of events. This will be a big money maker for firms that have made a living relying on a continuous flow of these types of public projects to keep their doors open.  To be honest, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.

$3 million study!

[southsider1015]

The traffic is far from "gridlocked" but this is an interesting turn of events. This will be a big money maker for firms that have made a living relying on a continuous flow of these types of public projects to keep their doors open.  To be honest, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.

Is this segment of I-295 part of your daily commute?  I'm thinking not.  The peak AM/PM rush hour is TERRIBLE.  Check it out on Google Maps.

Making a living providing services, materials, labor, etc. for the public good?  Thousands of workers in Jacksonville, NE Florida, and around the state are impacted by this work.  The profit margin in the road construction business isn't even CLOSE to the profits made in financial, medical, and legal industries.   Sure , professionals, skilled laborers, and unskilled laborers have been making a living off these dollars.  How else should society invest public dollars back into the local economy if not infrastructure? 

Your comments are a bit off.  I would think that someone with your experience would be a little bit more insightful.

[thelakelander]

^I know these types of projects butters your bread but that doesn't make my comments off a bit.  It just means we don't share the same view on this particular issue. In addition, I'll admit, I've been traveling too much lately. Compared to major cities in this country, we have a few delays here and there, but nothing serious. Get caught in rush hour on 101 in San Francisco or the Dan Ryan in Chicago and you'll see what real congestion looks and feels like.

[thelakelander]

The traffic is far from "gridlocked" but this is an interesting turn of events. This will be a big money maker for firms that have made a living relying on a continuous flow of these types of public projects to keep their doors open.  To be honest, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.

$3 million study!

Southsider would be in favor of this!