JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Driving in downtown Jacksonville will become easier as the city is reintroducing two-way travel to the area, beginning with Forsyth and Adams streets.
According to the city, it’s been a priority in the Downtown master plan for quite some time and would be a return to how the streets were created decades ago.
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“Restoring two-way streets is proven to encourage economic growth, boost property values, and support more efficient use of on-street parking and rideshare services,” the city said. “It also enhances retail visibility and occupancy rates, improves walkability and pedestrian safety, increases sidewalk activity, and elevates residential demand and quality of life.”
This transformation will begin with Forsyth and Adams streets, which run through the DIA’s targeted dining districts.
Adams Street has a mix of businesses, banks and restaurants, and Irina Varenikove, who has had a tailoring business on the roadway for nearly 20 years, says the addition of two-way roads will make the area better.
Resident Richard Manning agrees with Varenikove, saying, “I think they need to change it back to the two-way because they do have a lot of traffic during festivities here and people get confused.”
However, Jamal Williams, who works on Adams Street, doesn’t share the same sentiment.
“I think it’s a very bad idea [because] there’s not enough room as it is,” he said. “People can’t drive. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
Current work includes two-way conversions, signalization, paving, striping, sidewalk expansion areas, and parking kiosks, the city said.
Upon completion, crews will begin widening sidewalks, planting trees, and enhancing streetscapes. tree planting and enhanced streetscapes.
The first phase of the two-way conversion project is expected to be done summer of this year, while the entire project is slated to be wrapped up by “late 2026.”