Southbank Riverwalk Extension

[Jason]

Southbank Riverwalk extension in permitting review

The new stretch of walkway would connect to the Fuller Warren Shared Use Path.

By Ric Anderson | 5:25 a.m. January 9, 2026 | 0 Free Articles Remaining!

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/jan/09/southbank-riverwalk-extension-in-permitting-review/

[thelakelander]

This would basically fill in the riverwalk between the Acosta and Fuller Warren Bridges adjacent to Baptist Medical. I wonder what's the plan to connect this stretch to Friendship Fountain?

[Charles Hunter]

This would basically fill in the riverwalk between the Acosta and Fuller Warren Bridges adjacent to Baptist Medical. I wonder what's the plan to connect this stretch to Friendship Fountain?

Do you mean crossing the FECRR?

[thelakelander]

Yes! I can't imagine FECRR allowing an at-grade crossing there and the Acosta Bridge creates some serious challenges with a grade separated pedestrian crossing at that spot.

[jaxlongtimer]

Yes! I can't imagine FECRR allowing an at-grade crossing there and the Acosta Bridge creates some serious challenges with a grade separated pedestrian crossing at that spot.

Why can't an elevated path be built over the tracks like the one that exists on the north end of the Acosta?

[thelakelander]

^The Acosta Bridge's span is lower on that side of the river and the ROW around the railroad is pretty tight. Unless the plan is to pay millions to build something out over and into the river get high enough to clear rail traffic, then loop back and get low enough to get under the Acosta, it's likely not happening. The more likely (cost effective) alternative is to install a side path along San Marco Boulevard, then Prudential Drive and connect into the side path existing just south of the FECRR on the old Aetna Tower property. San Marco Boulevard is a COJ maintained street, so if COJ or the DIA desired, they could easily right-size that wide corridor into something very different than it is today. Sort of like what was done with Riverplace Boulevard a few years back.

[tufsu1]

This would basically fill in the riverwalk between the Acosta and Fuller Warren Bridges adjacent to Baptist Medical. I wonder what's the plan to connect this stretch to Friendship Fountain?

the plan is to go around - go behind the Southerly apartments next to the tracks, then over on Prudential and San Marco

[jaxjags]

FYI - There is a grade crossing of a CSX line on the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail. It does have a signal sign that is the same as for cars and approaching trains do use the 3-blast horn.

[thelakelander]

^Yeah, but this isn't going to happen on a busy railroad bridge over the river.

[deathstar]

Little unrelated to the Southbank, but I rode the riverwalk this morning and rode up to see the progress down there and noticed what looked like footings being prepared to replace the missing section of ramp leading to corkscrew park. Anticipating that side of the riverwalk being opened again in the future!