Lane expansion project on Fuller Warren Bridge on time

Lane expansion project on Fuller Warren Bridge on time
Schematic showing where sound barrier walls will be installed as part of the I-95/I-10 interchange project.

Despite Hurricane Irma’s best efforts in 2017 to disrupt construction on the Fuller Warren Bridge expansion project, Archer Western Construction is a “little over halfway,” according to Daryl Goss, Florida Department of Transportation public information officer. “They expect to be complete late in the fall of 2020,” he said. 

Crews work on the shared use path on the Southbank.
Crews work on the shared use path on the Southbank.

The expansion, which includes a shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path, is part of a $126 million project to improve the I-95 and I-10 interchange.

The FDOT began planning the project five years ago, beginning work in May 2017. The contract days, as of mid-February, were listed as 692 used out of 1,329 projected on the FDOT’s active contracts website.

Currently, a variety of subcontractors are working on pile driving and forming the columns and caps upon which the extension will rest. The next phase will be demolition of the existing edge of the bridge to join the new lane for the shared use path to it. 

Columns on the Northbank behind the Red Cross office will support the new Fuller Warren Bridge expansion lane.
Columns on the Northbank behind the Red Cross office will support the new Fuller Warren Bridge expansion lane.

The shared-use path will be 12-feet wide with a 4.5-foot tall galvanized steel railing along the river side and will be separated from vehicular traffic by a 10-foot shoulder and a 3.5-foot tall barrier wall plus a 10-foot tall curved fence. Directional arrows and bicycle and pedestrian symbols will occur in both directions. The ADA-compliant path will also include decorative lighting and three overlook areas. There will be three ramps providing access to the shared-use path. The Northbank access will be located west of Riverside Avenue near the Riverside Arts Market, while two ramps on the Southbank will have access from Palm Avenue and Children’s Way.

Contractors are also making preparations to construct a sound wall along the east side of U.S. 17/Roosevelt Boulevard northbound, beginning at McDuff Avenue and ending at Rosselle Street.

During the project, FDOT “reclaimed” some of its property under the bridge near Riverside Park to stage construction equipment. The space had been used for the large dog park at the John Gorrie Dog Park. Currently, the City of Jacksonville’s Parks and Recreation Department is considering repurposing that space for a skateboard park and playground after the FDOT finishes the expansion project. “It makes great sense to put a skateboard park under the canopy,” said District 14 Councilman Jim Love. “It would protect the skateboard fixtures from tree debris and weather.”

By Kate A. Hallock
Resident Community News

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