Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 1, 2017 1:00 a.m.
People traveling from Fernandina Beach via I-95 and I-295 to Jacksonville and south may have been surprised at what has looked like a complete deforestation of parts of the highway landscape. According to FDOT, this is part of a project to modernize and reconfigure the north I-95 and I-295 interchange to improve traffic flow, safety and increase capacity. Construction, which began late last year will continue for 4 years. Completion is targeted for late 2020.
The interchange serves as a hub connecting JAXPORT with Interstate 95, Downtown Jacksonville with the Jacksonville International Airport and tourists seeking to reach Central Florida.
The project will include a collector distributor system, which will allow motorists traveling along I-295, whether exiting or passing through, to maneuver through the interchange with fewer lane shifts.
According to FDOT, auxiliary lanes and minor ramp improvements will be added to I-95 and the Airport Road interchange. The Cole Road bridge over I-95 will also be replaced. I-295 North and US 17 will also see construction work including bridge replacement/construction, ramp reconstruction and road work along US 17.
Florida Governor Rick Scott kicked off this project this past November. The State of Florida invested $103 million in the project.
Governor Scott said, “We are proud to be welcoming so many families and job creators to Florida, and we must do all we can to make sure our roadways are prepared for future growth. That is why I am proud to announce the kick-off of the I-95/I-295 North Interchange project today. This project will encourage continued economic growth in Northeast Florida and improve safety for the many residents, business owners and visitors who travel here each day. We will continue to make important investments in projects like the I-95/I-295 North Interchange to ensure Florida’s transportation system remains a national leader.”
The interchange is part of an important corridor to promote economic growth and development in the region. Traffic volume is expected to increase significantly over the next two decades. Reconfiguring the interchange will, according to FDOT spokesman Hampton Ray, will encourage growth and alleviate traffic issues in years ahead.
Temporary lane closures and nighttime detours will occur over the length of the project, but at off-peak times.