In 2022, Florida was the fastest growing state, and Jacksonville in particular was ranked #5 on the list of the top 10 biggest boomtowns in the US. The surge in population shows on the streets.
The Gateway to Florida
I-95 runs right through Jacksonville, so obviously that plays a huge role in rush hour traffic throughout the year. Even if Jacksonville isn't a traveler's final stop, he or she will most likely add to their drive time just traveling through notoriously congested areas like Riverside, Southside, Old St. Augustine, and World Golf Village along Greater Jacksonville's I-95 stretch.
A 2021 study estimated that Jacksonville drivers lose an average of $450 and 21 hours annually from traffic congestion.
Just last month, two semi-trucks collided along the World Golf Village stretch in St. Johns County, causing a traffic nightmare for hours. This particular area is known for bad traffic and bad accidents, lending to I-95's reputation as the most dangerous highway in America.
"There is a stretch of Interstate 95 in northern St. Johns County that is historically known in law enforcement circles as one of the deadliest stretches in the state," says St. Johns County Sheriff's Lieutenant George Harrigan.
St. Johns County has blown up since COVID, and that area of highway has noticeably gotten more congested. Congestion leads to impatience, and impatience leads to drivers making irrational decisions.
A 2021 study estimated that Jacksonville drivers lose an average of $450 and 21 hours annually from traffic congestion.
Just last month, two semi-trucks collided along the World Golf Village stretch in St. Johns County, causing a traffic nightmare for hours. This particular area is known for bad traffic and bad accidents, lending to I-95's reputation as the most dangerous highway in America.
"There is a stretch of Interstate 95 in northern St. Johns County that is historically known in law enforcement circles as one of the deadliest stretches in the state," says St. Johns County Sheriff's Lieutenant George Harrigan.
St. Johns County has blown up since COVID, and that area of highway has noticeably gotten more congested. Congestion leads to impatience, and impatience leads to drivers making irrational decisions.
Road Construction
The City of Jacksonville has made several additions and repairs to its roadways over the past few years. There are still quite a few in progress, including areas to accommodate new and expanding neighborhoods like Beachwalk and Shearwater on County Road 210.
But the CR-210 exit from I-95 in St. Johns County is a mess right now. The road construction - coupled with a new hospital, new fast food restaurants, and a new high school - has drivers anxious for the current widening project to finish.
St. Johns County Engineer Duane Kent says that “Construction can be messy. What I’d ask is that the residents of St. Johns County, be patient. In the end, we’re going to have a much better county road...and I think everybody will appreciate that. The process of getting there is gonna be tough.”
The new project will include a new median, bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides, and new traffic lights in heavily congested areas. So we are seeing action and improvement in those areas of increased residential growth.
But the CR-210 exit from I-95 in St. Johns County is a mess right now. The road construction - coupled with a new hospital, new fast food restaurants, and a new high school - has drivers anxious for the current widening project to finish.
St. Johns County Engineer Duane Kent says that “Construction can be messy. What I’d ask is that the residents of St. Johns County, be patient. In the end, we’re going to have a much better county road...and I think everybody will appreciate that. The process of getting there is gonna be tough.”
The new project will include a new median, bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides, and new traffic lights in heavily congested areas. So we are seeing action and improvement in those areas of increased residential growth.
Weekend Crowds
Along with its family-friendly communities, Jacksonville has beautiful beaches, historic hot spots, and a vast waterway for boaters. These are reasons why a lot of families from out-of-state have chosen Greater Jacksonville as their new home.
But when Saturday comes, so does heavy traffic in areas like the Town Center, Jax Beach, Downtown St. Augustine, and San Marco. We will inevitably see future widening projects like the one currently underway on CR-210 as both Duval and St. Johns counties continue to grow and as more and more establishments are built to cater to the influx.
Over the past few months, we've seen improvements in pedestrian safety throughout the city, including areas like Gate Parkway by the Town Center. Improvements range from raised pedestrian crosswalks to bicycle lane additions to new drainage construction. And in Atlantic Beach on 3rd Street - a very popular area for weekend beachgoers - current construction efforts include pedestrian lighting improvements and beacon installations and crosswalk refuge points.
A safer, more advanced pedestrian environment can lead to smoother traffic patterns and less road rage.
But when Saturday comes, so does heavy traffic in areas like the Town Center, Jax Beach, Downtown St. Augustine, and San Marco. We will inevitably see future widening projects like the one currently underway on CR-210 as both Duval and St. Johns counties continue to grow and as more and more establishments are built to cater to the influx.
Over the past few months, we've seen improvements in pedestrian safety throughout the city, including areas like Gate Parkway by the Town Center. Improvements range from raised pedestrian crosswalks to bicycle lane additions to new drainage construction. And in Atlantic Beach on 3rd Street - a very popular area for weekend beachgoers - current construction efforts include pedestrian lighting improvements and beacon installations and crosswalk refuge points.
A safer, more advanced pedestrian environment can lead to smoother traffic patterns and less road rage.
Final Thoughts
As the largest city in the country, you'd think it wouldn't be so hard to get from point A to point B without dealing with daily stop-and-go traffic from any area of Jacksonville. But that's yet to be the case.
Yes, things are improving, and road construction projects are underway, but it'll be a while until we see any major improvement on our major highways and inner-city roadways.
Yes, things are improving, and road construction projects are underway, but it'll be a while until we see any major improvement on our major highways and inner-city roadways.
If you've been in an accident on one of Jacksonville's busy interstates or roadways, call Wilkes & Mee today. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will quickly and aggressively pursue full compensation.