I-95 Overland Bridge Project Expands

[Metro Jacksonville]

I-95 Overland Bridge Project Expands



Predicted to snarl urban Jacksonville traffic until 2017, an expansion of the I-95 Overland Bridge project to include an interchange at Atlantic Blvd. & Philips Highway is now being considered.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-nov-i-95-overland-bridge-project-expands

[simms3]

It is certainly no secret that the Atlantic Blvd interchange needs to have something happen, and if they do it at the same time as the overall project it seems efficient to me.  Here's to hoping I won't be in Jax during this particular construction.

[Noone]

Appreciate the update.

[Hurricane]

How does this almost $200M project not get heavily scrutinized?  I can think of a LOT of other good uses with this $200M in the urban core to bring life back to downtown.  This road construction project is all about getting people out of downtown with less traffic.  Let's concentrate on downtown itself, please?

[Coolyfett]

People live where the roads take them. Whos tax money is paying for this?

[CS Foltz]

Is this really needed? I mean we are talking about $195 Million plus, not to mention that north bound traffic is going to be a whole lot of fun................I can see the back up now, clear down to the 295 Interchange! FDOT Project should mean.........this is state funded, I think, but don't know for sure!

[dougskiles]

I sat in on a meeting with FDOT recently about this project.  They plan to construct collector/distributor lanes on the outside of the I-95 thru lanes first which will have very little impact on traffic (other than people slowing down to look at it).  Once the c/d lanes are complete, they will move I-95 traffic to them and begin the bridge reconstruction.  After the bridge reconstruction is complete, the c/d lanes will remain (an earlier plan had them as 'temporary') and serve to improve access to Atlantic Boulevard.  I see this as a particular benefit to the southbank area, San Marco businesses and the grossly underutilized Kings Avenue parking garage.

A much better use of transportation dollars than 9B in my opinion.

I look forward to attending the workshop to find out the latest and hope that many of you will also.

[ChriswUfGator]

Hopefully the execution of this winds up being better than the I-10/I-95 interchange, which is a deathtrap.

[JeffreyS]

are there any funds available to fast track commuter rail that would mitigate  the traffic caused by this project .

[tufsu1]

This had been considered a maintenance project (the struture is almost 50 years old) using Bridge Replacement funds.  As such, it was not considered a capacity project.  Not sure how the new plans might affect that determination.

I also think that this project could still be done in phases.  One can seek environmental approvals for a "total" improvement through the PD&E process and then build "interim" stages.  So I guess if the money isn't there for the interchange or C/D roads, they don't get built at first.

Next week's workshop should be very interesting.

[thelakelander]

From an urban design standpoint, I wonder what type of improvements could be make to strengthen the pedestrian and bicycle movement on both sides of this interchange?




For example, is it possible to make ponds E, F and G public amenities, such as the proposal for the park next to 200 Riverside?  Could plans include pedestrian enhancements along Atlantic Boulevard, similar to those under I-4 in Ybor City?



Anyway, at this point it looks like everything thing is being designed from an automobile oriented standpoint.  However, incorporating some complete streets strategies could enhance the gateway to both San Marco and St. Nicholas.

[thelakelander]

Also, does Atlantic Boulevard (east of Kings) really need to be widened to seven lanes?  Imo, it would be better to keep the parallel parking, reduce traffic lanes to two or three, and use the extra existing ROW for wider sidewalks and bike lanes.

[tufsu1]

Also, does Atlantic Boulevard (east of Kings) really need to be widened to seven lanes?  Imo, it would be better to keep the parallel parking, reduce traffic lanes to two or three, and use the extra existing ROW for wider sidewalks and bike lanes.

wait...I didn't see that in the plan....of course Atlantic is already 8 lanes wide from I-95 to the split w/ beach...did I miss something?

[thelakelander]

Sorry, I meant west.  At the intersection of Atlantic and Kings, the road is being widened to seven lanes.  The building currently being renovated into a doctor's office would be demolished to fit in the extra lanes.  Parallel parking is also being removed to accommodate more traffic lanes between Kings and the FEC tracks.  I believe this is overkill.

[Jason]

The overland bridge DOES need to be rebuilt.  If anyone has seen the size of some of the potholes that have opened up, you would agree.  It is close to falling apart completely.  Now is our chance to do it right and incorporate a fully comprehensive mobility plan into its design, as Lake mentioned.