Article by Ennis Davis, AICP

Project map courtesy of FDOT

On October 13th, the public is invited to a hybrid public hearing to discuss a lane repurposing project proposed on the corridor from Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. 17) to Lenox Avenue and Lenox Avenue from Cassat Avenue (S.R. 111) to Edgewood Avenue South.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), lane repurposing projects (a.k.a., “road diets” or “lane reductions”) are intended to reduce the number of travel lanes and effective width of the road to achieve systemic improvements. Generally, the purpose of these projects is to reconfigure the existing cross section to allow other uses and travel modes. Lane repurposing projects typically provide more livable environments, and contribute to economic development and vitality to a community. The recovered travel way can be used to accommodate other purposes, such as bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, landscaping, on-street parking, bulb-outs, traffic calming, and refuge islands.

Edgewood Avenue South is currently a four lane road with no bicycle facilities.

In Murray Hill, the following modifications are proposed:

  • Repurposing four through travel lanes into two through travel lanes on Edgewood Avenue South to install bicycle and shared use lanes throughout the project limits
  • Installing three new mid-block crossings with flashing beacons between Mayflower Street and Corby Street, Antisdale Street and Post Street and Post Street and Jasmine Place
  • Relocating traffic signal heads due to lane repurposing
  • Cleaning and re-coating the U.S. 17/Roosevelt Boulevard bridge
  • Connecting existing sidewalk with newly constructed sidewalk
  • Upgrading ADA curb ramps
  • Upgrading existing pedestrian signals and installing new pedestrian signals
  • Completing minor utility improvements

The hybrid hearing will be held October 13, 2020, with an informal open house from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a formal presentation beginning at 6 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to participate online at nflroads.com/VPH or by phone at (562) 247-8422, access code 175-785-553. Citizens who are unable to participate virtually may attend the hearing in person at the FDOT Urban Office Training Center located at 2198 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204.

Here is a look at what’s proposed for Edgewood Avenue South and Lenox Avenue.