City and State to Collaborate on Evaluation of Hart Bridge Ramps
February 24, 2017
FDOT-funded study to examine downtown access, safety, and bike/pedestrian features
Following a meeting with Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced it will conduct a $250,000 study of downtown access to and from the Hart Bridge. Mayor Curry has championed the prospect of upgrading the 50 year old bridge by replacing its ramps.
FDOT’s announcement comes after a meeting between Mayor Curry and FDOT Interim Secretary Rachel D. Cone. The study will include examining downtown access to and from the Hart Bridge, and an evaluation of the potential benefits of replacing a portion of the elevated western downtown access ramp with an at-grade solution that would add features to make it bike and pedestrian friendly.
“Our team will work with City staff to evaluate options, traffic conditions, benefits, impacts and costs,” said James M. Knight, P.E., FDOT urban planning administrator. “We look forward to working with the City to further refine the project.”
The study will be conducted as part of FDOT’s General Planning Consultant’s ongoing directive to help communities in the development and scoping of projects that could potentially be included in the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization’s (NFTPO) “List of Priority Projects.”
FDOT estimates the study will cost about $250,000 and should be completed by fall 2017.