JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Drivers who travel to downtown Jacksonville using I-95 northbound will notice a significant traffic shift beginning Saturday morning. An overnight change forces drivers to exit downtown earlier than expected, with I-95 northbound traffic from San Diego Road to San Marco Boulevard divided.
Drivers headed downtown will have to keep right on the dedicated lanes to access the Main Street and Acosta bridges.
Traffic staying on I-95 will continue north in the left lanes to the Fuller Warren Bridge. That means drivers will have to make the decision about which route to take a mile and a half earlier, shortly after passing the Emerson Street exit.
The switch places vehicles on the new, permanent structures, one step closer to the completion of the Overland Bridge Project.
Recent storms, including Hurricane Irma, put construction behind schedule, pushing the completion date from Fall 2017 to early 2018. The Atlantic Boulevard exit is expected to open by the end of the year.
The Florida Department of Transportation wants drivers to pay attention and follow the signs.
Drivers will also want to allow extra time for getting around next week until everyone becomes familiar with the new route.