JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The southbound Interstate 95 off-ramp to Philips Highway closed Monday at 8 p.m. and will stay closed for about four months as part of the Florida Department of Transportation's I-95 Overland Bridge project.
The San Marco Boulevard or Emerson Street exits can be used as alternate routes to Philips Highway.
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In addition, the existing access from northbound Philips Highway to Atlantic Boulevard will change. Kings Avenue between Philips Highway and Atlantic Boulevard will be modified, allowing traffic to flow in both directions.
The closure of the southbound I-95 off-ramp to Philips Highway is required for construction of new Philips Highway access points.
The Overland Bridge Project construction began in 2013 and includes the replacement of several overpasses from the Downtown to San Marco area, the widening of I-95 and improved access points to Atlantic Boulevard and Philips Highway.
The current roadway is starting to show its age. Crews had to close a section of I-95 near the Philips exit in San Marco this weekend to repair a hole that opened up on the interstate. And that wasn't the first time. A few weeks ago, another hole was repaired near the same area. FDOT said the holes did not affect construction and were caused by natural wear and tear.
"Everything is going according to plan," FDOT spokeswoman Monica Reifeiss said. "These repairs are already put into the contract. Due to the age of the bridge -- it was built in 1959 -- we knew that we would have to do some repairs during construction."
The sporadic road closures and detours have some drivers confused.
"The unsureness of the drivers on the interstate that really aren't quite sure which direction they want to go because they're not familiar with the area," driver Tyler Loehnert said.
Others said they plan ahead and don't mind the construction.
"I know where I'm going," driver Terry Holland said. "I've been here 56 years, so it doesn't bother me a bit."
Motorists are urged to stay alert, be aware of heavy equipment in the area and follow the 45 mph posted speed limit through the construction zone.
Up-to-date lane closure information will be posted on the I-95 Overland Bridge Replacement Project website. A project hotline number was established to assist the public with questions and concerns: 904-491-2110.
The Overland Bridge Project as a whole is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016.