Traffic Alert: Big rig congestion from I-295 Jacksonville construction projects
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News for drivers and truckers on the First Coast: lane shifts and a months-long detour at the I-95/I-295 North interchange are changing daily travel patterns. FL511 provides live speeds, streaming cameras, message signs, and truck parking info so you can plan around chokepoints.
The detour routes eastbound I-295 traffic bound for I-95 north via U.S. 17 and westbound I-295. That change typically adds about two minutes and does not require stopping at Main Street, which helps maintain flow during peak periods.
Prepare before you go. Use FL511 to check real-time road conditions, construction zone alerts, and weather radar. Message signs and camera views show current backups and lane closures so drivers stay safe and compliant.
The First Coast Expressway expansion and a new St. Johns River bridge aim to add capacity and ease strain on local corridors. This page previews detour timing, alternate routes for commuters and freight, and the project timeline so you can reduce delays and stress.
What drivers should know now about I-295 congestion and detours
Beginning June 5, drivers traveling east who need I-95 north will follow a signed detour that uses U.S. 17 and the westbound ramp. This change frees up the interchange center so crews can open a large work area and move faster toward the next phase.
Timing and travel impact: The detour started at 10 p.m. on June 5 and will remain in place for several months. Under normal flow, expect about a two-minute increase in travel time. The route keeps moving through Main Street without an extra stop.
Where to check maps and updates: Use FL511’s interactive map and FDOT District 2 channels for real-time maps, live speeds, and alerts. Overhead message signs and streaming cameras help confirm lane moves before you reach the ramp.
- Follow posted signs for the temporary routing via U.S. 17 to I-295 westbound.
- Avoid peak commute windows when possible; heavy trucks and tighter geometry can slow flow.
- Safety tip: leave extra space, reduce speed in the work area, and watch shifting lane markings.
| Item | Start | Expected Duration | Added Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB to NB detour | June 5, 10 p.m. | Several months | ~2 minutes |
| No-stop at Main St. | In effect | During detour | None |
| Live info | FL511 / FDOT D2 | 24/7 | Real-time updates |
Traffic Alert: Big rig congestion from I-295 Jacksonville construction projects
Drivers follow posted signs that route eastbound lanes onto U.S. 17, then loop to the westbound ramp to reach I-95 north. Expect roughly two extra minutes and continuous flow through Main Street with no added stops.
Alternate routes for trucks and commuters
Options: use U.S. 17 north or south to access I-95 at different interchanges, or take SR 9A/295 loop segments west to reduce merge conflicts. Downtown-bound travelers can consider surface streets off Main Street during off-peak hours, but check signals first.
How to use FL511, cameras, and message signs
Open the FL511 map layer to view construction zones and incidents. Toggle streaming camera feeds at key ramps and cross-check message signs to confirm lane moves and live speeds.
Timing and management tips
- Shift departures 15–30 minutes to avoid peak queues.
- Verify truck parking on FL511 and use camera views to assess queue length before committing.
- Practice lane management: pick a lane early, avoid last-second merges, and heed message signs.
- Monitor weather and special events on the page to anticipate changes.
| Tool | Use | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| FL511 map | Construction & incidents | Route planning |
| Cameras | Live ramp views | Queue assessment |
| Message signs | Lane configs | Safer merges |
Why construction is ramping up: First Coast Expressway and interchange improvements
Major upgrades at the interchange are timed to sync with the multi-segment First Coast Expressway build toward I-95. This coordination lets crews create larger, centralized work areas and move faster through complex phases.
Project phases and schedules
The effort is a partnership between FDOT District 2 and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. Segment 422938-7 (includes the new St. Johns River bridge) began in FY 2023.
Segment 422938-8 started in FY 2025, and 453070-1 is planned for FY 2026. Expect overlapping activity as each project advances.
First Coast Expressway expansion to I-95
The St. Johns River bridge will add lanes and a shared path for people walking and biking. That design boosts safety and multimodal access across the river.
- Why the months-long work zone: centralizing tasks reduces repeat closures and speeds critical phases.
- Regional payoffs: the beltway aims to ease strain on I-295, SR 21, U.S. 17, and nearby corridors.
- Tip: consult official sources for schedule information so you can plan around lane shifts and openings.
Staying ahead on the First Coast: alerts, roadwork updates, and what’s next
Stay ahead with simple tools: make FL511 your first stop and save a custom page with favorite maps and camera views so detours and lane changes do not catch you off guard.
Use layered map displays to combine incidents, work zones, and message signs for a quick, complete picture. Set alerts for your corridor and check truck parking availability before entering the work zone.
Plan for events and milestones: watch FDOT District 2 timelines as Expressway segments hit new phases. Early lane selection and timely speed adjustments help keep everyone safer and moving.
