I-295 Express Lanes: Get Ready To Open Your Pocketbooks
January 21, 2014 63 comments
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Get ready to open your pocket books to bypass congestion in Jacksonville. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is moving forward on their plans to add automated toll lanes to I-295 throughout the Southside. An informal open house will be held this evening for those interested in learning how FDOT plans to deal with 21st century gridlock. In the meantime, here's a look at what's coming to Jacksonville later this year.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Press Release
Construction to add Express Lanes in the median of I-295 in Mandarin will start later this year. Photograph courtesy of Google Earth
The next phase of adding express lanes to move traffic along I-295 will be previewed at a public meeting of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) this Tuesday (January 21).
An informal open house will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation and public comment period. The meeting will be in the University Center at the University of North Florida, 12000 Alumni Drive.
FDOT proposes to build two new lanes on the I-295 East Beltway between State Road 9B and Butler Boulevard (State Road 202) as express lanes, which are tolled lanes providing more capacity in areas where traffic congestion is a problem. The tolls are collected using a fully automated system called SunPass. The toll will vary based on the level of congestion in the express lanes. Signs are posted in advance allowing motorists plenty of time to decide whether to use the express lanes or general use lanes. They are intended for use when time is a concern in getting to your destination.
The estimated cost of the 4-mile long project is $155 million. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015 with right of way acquisition in 2014.
The first phase of adding express lanes on I-295 between the Buckman Bridge and I-95 is scheduled to begin later this year.
For more information on express lanes in Northeast Florida, visit our web site at www.northfloridaexpress.com
For more information on Tuesday’s meeting, contact FDOT project manager Jim Knight at 800-749-2967, extension 7707 or by e-mail at james.knight@dot.state.fl.us
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com
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