Press Releases
The JTA celebrates Kernan Boulevard project completion with Virtual Ribbon Cutting
JACKSONVILLE, FL – A 2.4-mile road improvement project along Kernan Boulevard is complete and open to the community.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) hosted a “Virtual Ribbon Cutting” ceremony on May 14, 2020, to celebrate the completion of the JTAMobilityWorks project, which broke ground in June 2018. The JTA System Development Division finished the $24 million project six months ahead of schedule.
“This section of Kernan Boulevard is a major corridor for thousands of families,” said Chairman of the JTA Board of Directors Kevin Holzendorf. “I can personally attest to how important this project is for my family and my neighbors who live in this community. Thank you to the JTA staff for a wonderful addition to our community”
Holzendorf was joined on the Virtual Ribbon Cutting by JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. and Rep. Clay Yarborough. Members of the JTA Board of Directors, JTA staff and the Jacksonville City Council were also in attendance. In total, 144 viewers watch the live broadcast.
“I am so proud of our Construction and Capital Programs team, and our larger System Development division, not only for completing this project but for doing so a full six months ahead of schedule,” said Ford.
“As our community continues to face the challenges caused by COVID-19, the JTA will be there in partnership with the City, FDOT and other agencies to pursue infrastructure and road building projects that provide jobs, improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for our community,” he said.
The scope of the Kernan Boulevard project includes the reconfiguration of corridor between Atlantic Boulevard and McCormick Road:
- A six-lane section was added between Atlantic Boulevard and Matthew Unger Drive
- A four-lane section was enhanced between Matthew Unger Drive and McCormick Road
- New utility, curb and gutter infrastructure was installed
- Approximately 9,056 linear feet of new 5-foot-wide sidewalks and 10,924 linear feet of new 12-foot-wide multi-use paths were created
- New traffic signals at Kernan Forest Boulevard, Running River Road, Waterleaf Boulevard and Mastin Cove Road were installed with new crosswalks and pedestrian poles
- New overhead lighted street signs at the four new signalized intersections and three existing signalized intersections were installed
- Installation of 137 new street lights
- School zones improvements with new flashing beacons on the side of the road and within the median were included
About JTAMobilityWorks
JTAMobilityWorks is a program designed to complete projects funded by the extension of the Local Option Gas Tax. Leveraging that future funding, the JTA has issued bonds to cover the cost of the projects. With the $100 million dollars generated through the bond issue, the JTA is currently working on 13 roadway improvement projects along with enhancements to 14 mobility corridors in all areas of Jacksonville. The project list was generated by the Jacksonville City Council and will not be altered without their approval. In 2019, the JTA completed its enhancement of the Girvin Road corridor between Atlantic Boulevard and Wonderwood Drive.
The JTA is currently working in West Jacksonville to widen and enhance a section of Collins Road with completion anticipated in early 2021. Future projects include work along San Pablo Road, Alta Drive, McDuff Avenue (Phase III) and Paramore Road.