JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The eastern highway bypass around Jacksonville will officially become part of the interstate highway system over the next few months as its designation changes from State Road 9A to Interstate 295.
The signs on 9A will be changed to the "I-295 east beltway" and those on I-295 from I-95 in Mandarin to I-95 near the Jacksonville International Airport will be designated as the "I-295 west beltway."
A $1.3 million project to replace 350 overhead signs will began Sunday and is expected to be completed by next summer. The new signs will include exit numbers consistent with other interstate highways, which should make navigating the highway easier, especially for visitors.
"You don't get confused ... with what it's called. Like 9A, or 295, or what," motorist Jerry Allen said. "It's one thing now, so that will be good."
The work will require some lane closures, which are to be limited to between 7:30 p.m and 6 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays.
For more information on the project, you can call the Florida Department of Transportation public information office at 800-207-8236.