News Summary
Jacksonville is set to reintroduce two-way traffic on Adams and Forsyth Streets beginning July 2. This change aims to enhance pedestrian safety and improve downtown livability. The project, which started in April 2024, has received mixed reactions, balancing concerns about traffic flow efficiency with potential benefits for local businesses and community mobility. Future enhancements include sidewalk widening and streetscape upgrades. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned to celebrate the significant transformation of downtown traffic.
Jacksonville to Reintroduce Two-Way Traffic on Adams and Forsyth Streets
Jacksonville is set to see a major traffic update starting July 2, as Adams and Forsyth Streets in the downtown area will return to two-way traffic. This reconfiguration comes after more than a year of efforts aimed at restoring the streets to their original design, which was established in the early years of the city.
The streets, which were converted to one-way in the mid-20th century, saw Adams Street flow west and Forsyth Street flow east. The restoration project officially launched in April 2024 with a budget of $4.6 million.
Impact on Traffic and Community
Supporters of the two-way traffic plan argue that the change is likely to decrease traffic speed, making roadways safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Enhanced mobility in the area is anticipated to improve the livability of the downtown region and boost patronage of local retail spaces, which in turn could stimulate economic growth.
The timing of the traffic conversion closely aligns with Jacksonville’s annual Independence Day fireworks display, which will only feature two launch sites this year due to a reduction from five. Public Works officials believe that the removal of construction barrels will create a more favorable environment for increased traffic downtown during this festive event, allowing for additional parking availability.
Recent Construction and Future Plans
Recent activities on both streets have included lane reductions, the installation of new traffic signals, surface restriping, and the creation of curbside dining areas for nearby restaurants. Following the reintroduction of two-way traffic, both streets will allow vehicles to navigate in both directions between Liberty and Jefferson Streets.
Jacksonville is joining a growing trend among U.S. cities that are reverting downtown streets to two-way traffic. Studies suggest that these conversions lead to reduced accident rates and increased property values along the affected streets.
Despite the benefits, critics remain concerned that two-way streets may result in reduced traffic flow efficiency and an increased risk of head-on collisions. There are also worries that pedestrians, who have become accustomed to one-way traffic, may overlook vehicles coming from the opposite direction when the streets convert back to two-way.
Support and Enhancements
Advocates for the two-way traffic system assert that these roads will provide more direct routes for drivers unfamiliar with the downtown layout, as well as lessen the likelihood of high-speed vehicle-pedestrian accidents. The project will include improvements such as better signage, paving updates, new striping, and the introduction of parking kiosks for drivers.
After the initial reconfiguration, plans for future enhancements will include widening sidewalks, planting trees, and upgrading the streetscapes to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Funding and Completion Timeline
The project is being financed through tax increment funding, sourced from the Downtown Investment Authority. Construction began with lane closures in the preceding week, and the first phase of work is expected to conclude by the summer of 2025. Full project completion is estimated to occur by late 2026.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for July 2, marking the official celebration of this significant change in the Jacksonville downtown traffic landscape.
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