News Summary
Jacksonville residents face significant transportation challenges due to ongoing construction near McDuff Avenue and Post Street, particularly affecting those with disabilities. The closure of three bus stops has left residents, including Ken Robley who has mobility issues, struggling to access public transit. A new bus stop is a 15-minute walk away, posing severe barriers. In addition, upcoming construction on San Marco Boulevard is set to cause further disruptions. A town hall meeting will address these community concerns, highlighting the need for improved transportation routes and services during this period.
Jacksonville residents are currently facing significant transportation challenges due to ongoing construction projects, particularly near McDuff Avenue and Post Street. As construction progresses, local residents, including those with disabilities, are impacted by the disruptions to public transportation routes and access to bus stops.
Ken Robley, a resident with mobility issues in the area, has expressed frustration as construction has caused bus stops to be skipped, leaving him and other passengers without proper access to public transit. Robley’s primary mode of transportation is a bus that previously serviced Post and Normandy Boulevard, but due to a road closure, the buses can no longer stop in that location.
The nearest available bus stop is now about a 15-minute walk for individuals affected by the construction, creating additional barriers for those with mobility challenges. For Robley, the newly established walking path is not accommodating as he uses a walker. Consequently, he has been forced to rely on friends, family, taxis, or rideshare services, which is particularly challenging on a fixed income.
In total, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has closed three bus stops in the area due to the ongoing construction, and there is currently no timeline available for when these stops will reopen. This disruption has raised concerns among residents who depend on public transportation for their daily commutes.
In addition to the issues on McDuff Avenue, other construction work is slated for San Marco Boulevard to address major drainage improvements. This project is expected to commence in April and will result in a full closure of the boulevard in May. The $68 million drainage construction aims to mitigate flooding within the San Marco neighborhood and includes plans for installing a new pump station and large drainage pipes that will connect to the community.
During the construction period, traffic detours will be established for drivers in an attempt to minimize disruption to the area. The JTA is also adjusting bus routes in the San Marco region, beginning Monday, to accommodate the construction on both San Marco Boulevard and LaSalle Street.
In response to community concerns, City Council member Joe Carlucci is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the upcoming changes and their potential impacts on local residents and businesses. This meeting aims to provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions and raise any issues they may be facing during this period of disruption.
Despite the construction challenges, local business owner Allison Moses recognizes the necessity of the improvements and is supportive of the work being done. She understands that while obstacles may arise for customers trying to access her business, the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure will outweigh the temporary inconveniences.
Another local worker, Bianca Santos, has spoken about the difficulties posed by construction, notably increased travel times and parking challenges. Nevertheless, businesses in the area continue to operate and encourage customers to visit, assuring them that services remain available despite project-related complications.
Residents and travelers are urged to stay informed about changes to bus routes and services during this construction period by checking the updated information on the MyJTA app or the JTA website. The transportation authority is aiming to keep the community informed as they navigate these necessary improvements to local infrastructure.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Bus Stops Closed Near McDuff Avenue
- News4Jax: I-95 North Closures Announcement
- Jacksonville.com: Drainage Work in San Marco
- News4Jax: Bus Route Changes in San Marco
- Wikipedia: Transportation in Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF 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.
