JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – JTA marked the end of a major road improvement project Friday along San Pablo Road, hopefully ending nearly two years of traffic headaches in the area.
JTA celebrated the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at River City Science Academy.
Construction on the project started in April 2022 on San Pablo Road, stretching from Beach Boulevard to Atlantic Boulevard. Drivers say the traffic jams and construction have been frustrating and some worry those issues will continue even after crews leave.
RELATED | Residents living on San Pablo Road riddled with headaches as ongoing construction continues to pose issues | San Pablo Road construction inches closer to completion but some residents remain uncertain about the improvements
JTA held a few meetings with people throughout the construction to answer questions and people were able to voice their concerns.
According to JTA, now that the project is done, there are almost 5 miles of new sidewalks, nine new pedestrian crosswalks with flashing beacons, nearly 90 new streetlights and new drainage and utility pipes.
“There was a great deal of backup in this corridor. By widening the corridor, putting in turn lanes, the crosswalks as well as the bike lanes, we’ve made it much safer and the traffic flow much easier,” Nat Ford said, the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. “Then additional trees, you heard me say 89 additional trees added to this corridor, just makes it have that home feel without too much spending.”
JTA said the area is now going to be safer for bike riders and walkers. And with some portions of the road widened to three lanes, it will also possibly alleviate traffic issues.
MORE | Ongoing construction on San Pablo Road causes parents to grow concerned for children’s safety
Some have complained during the project that they were caught up in traffic delays that lasted up to 30 minutes just trying to get out of their neighborhoods.
Only time will tell how these improvements will alleviate traffic concerns in the area. Councilman Rory Diamond, who represents District 13, said he’s listening to residents’ concerns.
“The next big one will be Penman Road out at the beaches so we will make sure that North-South direction looks just like this, so a beautiful new road,” Diamond said. “This is what government is supposed to do: fix roads and get rid of potholes, so I am glad to see it being done.”