News Summary
Amazon has opened a new delivery center in Jacksonville, adding 100 jobs and heightening traffic concerns. The 180,866-square-foot facility is near major roads, where residents are already facing congestion. While the delivery center boosts local employment with average wages over $22 an hour, traffic issues have prompted Amazon to work with local authorities for improvements, including synchronized traffic lights and expanded lanes. The facility marks Amazon’s 10th in Northeast Florida, reflecting its commitment to local economic growth.
Jacksonville
Amazon has officially opened a new warehouse in Jacksonville, creating 100 new jobs and increasing traffic concerns in the surrounding area. The 180,866-square-foot delivery center is strategically located at 450 General Doolittle Drive, positioning it near significant thoroughfares such as Atlantic Boulevard and St. Johns Bluff Road. Local drivers are already experiencing increased congestion as Amazon trucks navigate the area, raising frustrations among residents.
The new delivery center commenced operations in October 2024, becoming part of Amazon’s extensive network in Northeast Florida, where the company operates a total of 10 facilities and employs over 8,000 individuals. This recent addition builds on Amazon’s commitment to contributing to the local economy while simultaneously enhancing service speed through its logistics network.
As local frustrations continue to rise regarding traffic congestion, Amazon is actively addressing some of these issues by working with the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Jacksonville to implement improvements along Atlantic Boulevard. The enhancements will include synchronized traffic lights, expanded turn lanes, and better signage to facilitate smoother traffic flow around the delivery center and other nearby facilities.
Traffic Challenges and Ongoing Improvements
Residents have expressed their concerns about the current traffic situation. For instance, some drivers have reported that Amazon trucks, particularly those with flashing lights, have been obstructing lanes on Atlantic Boulevard, leading to increased frustration. To mitigate these issues, Amazon has been issued a temporary permit to assist with traffic control up until the installation of a new traffic light.
The delivery center’s primary entrance and exit are located at the intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Sutton Lakes Boulevard. There is another entrance further west, which facilitates traffic flow but currently lacks a traffic signal. Alejandro Gutierrez, a local resident, described the traffic situation as “a nightmare,” underscoring the urgent need for the planned improvements, which are expected to be completed by the first half of 2025.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Amazon’s move to establish this new facility brings significant job opportunities to the area. Workers at the delivery center will receive average hourly wages exceeding $22 across Amazon’s fulfillment and transportation networks. The center will primarily focus on sorting packages and loading them onto delivery vehicles to ensure timely customer deliveries.
Future Developments and Expected Growth
In addition to the newly opened warehouse, Amazon is also progressing with plans for a same-day delivery fulfillment center at 1700 Imeson Road, which is part of a larger 39.13-acre development. The application for the building permit for this center has been under review since 2024. This facility, along with the current delivery center, is expected to bolster Amazon’s logistics capabilities and support faster shipping services utilizing the Amazon Flex delivery network.
Construction documents refer to this upcoming project as Project Teapot, which hints at its specific functionalities or operational goals. As these new facilities open, Amazon’s previous financial incentives totaling $26.7 million for building prior facilities in Jacksonville highlight the company’s ongoing investment in local job creation and infrastructure developments.
In summary, while Amazon’s new delivery center promises job creation and enhanced logistics for the company, it has also triggered traffic challenges that local residents are keen to see addressed through ongoing infrastructure improvements.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Jax Daily Record
- First Coast News
- WITN
- Jax Daily Record
- Wikipedia: Amazon.com
- Google Search: Amazon warehouse Jacksonville
- Google Scholar: Amazon Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amazon
- Google News: Amazon Jacksonville
