News Summary
Jacksonville has commenced construction on the Hogan Street Link, part of the Emerald Trail Initiative. With a focus on urban connectivity, the project includes a two-way cycle track and links important locations to promote health-conscious transportation. Mayor Deegan highlighted the significance of this development for the community, which also secured funding from local and private sources despite previous challenges. The Hogan Street segment aims to enhance pedestrian spaces and is projected to be completed by summer 2026.
Jacksonville has officially commenced construction on the Hogan Street Link, aimed at expanding the Emerald Trail Initiative. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 25, 2025, marking a significant step in the development of this crucial urban project. The Hogan Street Link is the second segment of the Emerald Trail to move forward, following previous segments in the initiative.
In attendance at the ceremony was Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, who emphasized the project’s importance, highlighting how it demonstrates continued progress and commitment to urban development. It was announced that VyStar Credit Union will serve as the lead sponsor for the Hogan Street Link project, illustrating private sector support for this public initiative.
The Hogan Street Link will stretch from Union Street to Riverfront Plaza and connect to the Northbank Riverwalk. A key feature of the project is a two-way cycle track, designed to enhance safety and foster community interaction among residents. This link will connect several important locations, including the JTA Rosa Parks Transit Station, City Hall, James Weldon Johnson Park, the headquarters of VyStar, and various businesses located along the route.
Mayor Deegan reaffirmed the city’s mission to create safe, interconnected spaces that promote health-conscious transportation options. The larger Emerald Trail project aims to link 14 historic urban neighborhoods to downtown Jacksonville, as well as providing access to the St. Johns River, McCoys Creek, and Hogans Creek. The overall plan encompasses a 30-mile trail connecting 16 schools, two colleges, and 21 parks, with additional access to 13 schools and 17 parks within three blocks of the trail.
The Hogan Street segment is a 0.6-mile stretch intended to connect the Northbank riverwalk area to Springfield and Hogans Creek. Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, indicated that the project would significantly improve pedestrian-friendly spaces along Hogan Street. The section from the river to Union Street is projected to be completed by the summer of 2026, with subsequent segments anticipated by 2027. The entire Emerald Trail is expected to be completed by 2031, although this timeline remains contingent on funding availability.
Challenges regarding funding have arisen in the past, including a voided federal grant of $147 million aimed at supporting the Emerald Trail project, which was lost due to legislative changes under the Trump administration. However, the Hogan Street segment has secured its funding from local and private sources, ensuring its progress. Additionally, city officials are actively pursuing efforts to restore lost federal funds intended for the broader Emerald Trail project.
A unique element of the ceremony involved participants using emerald-colored sand to symbolize the groundbreaking, indicating that the community’s investment in this project extends beyond mere funding. The Hogan Street Link will notably narrow Hogan Street to one lane of northbound traffic, making way for the implementation of dedicated bicycle lanes as part of a broader strategy to enhance transportation options within Jacksonville.
Overall, the Hogan Street Link is viewed as a pivotal advancement in transforming transportation perceptions throughout Jacksonville, particularly by promoting and facilitating non-car transit modes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Launches Construction of Emerald Trail’s Hogan Street Link
Downtown Jacksonville Revitalization Gains Momentum
Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Jacksonville Daily Record
- WOKV News
- News4JAX
- The Jaxson Mag
- Wikipedia: Emerald Trail
- Google Search: Emerald Trail Jacksonville
- Google Scholar: Emerald Trail Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emerald Trail
- Google News: Emerald Trail Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
