Converting one-way streets Downtown tops DIA's projects wish list

[thelakelander]

By Max Marbut, Staff Writer

The next step in Downtown improvement will be converting three major thoroughfares — Adams, Forsyth and Monroe Streets — to two-way traffic.
A committee of the Downtown Investment Authority approved Thursday a four-year schedule of capital improvements, as well as the conversion of Hogan, Julia and Pearl Streets and the construction of a park at Hogan Street and the Northbank Riverwalk.

The first phase of the plan will be reviewed this summer by City Council when it crafts the Capital Improvement Plan for the 2016-17 budget.

Eliminating one-way street improves traffic flow and was part of the Laura Street project, between Hemming Park and the Jacksonville Landing, completed several years ago.

"It's a high priority," said Downtown Redevelopment Manager Guy Parola.

The committee considered the projects, along with cost estimates prepared for a study completed in 2006. Parola said the authority is working with the Public Works Department and its engineering consultants to update the cost projections.

"They could go up. They could go down. It could be substantial," he said of the difference between the 10-year-old estimates and current costs.

Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=547037

[Tacachale]

Well, that's good to hear.

[Charles Hunter]

How far east and west will the 2-way sections go? All the way from Liberty to Lee, or even to I-95?

[thelakelander]

It's 2016, not 1996. The answer to this question should be clear now....

Could two-way streets in Downtown hurt retail?

Full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2016/02/could-two-way-streets-in-downtown-hurt-retail.html

[vicupstate]

It's 2016, not 1996. The answer to this question should be clear now....

Could two-way streets in Downtown hurt retail?

Full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2016/02/could-two-way-streets-in-downtown-hurt-retail.html

Well while the construction is going on, it will hurt retail, but afterwards it will be better than before the changes.

[thelakelander]

I guess I need to go back and re-read through the article. Are they talking about doing a full blown streetscape or simply a two-way conversion?

[Kerry]

For those that are interested, they are in the process of doing this in Oklahoma City.  The change is stunning.  It is called Project 180.

[tufsu1]

It's 2016, not 1996. The answer to this question should be clear now....

Could two-way streets in Downtown hurt retail?

It is a comical headline!

[heights unknown]

Here we go again. In the last 40 years I think they've changed 2 or 3 times? Make up your mind.