Commuter Alert: Heavy Construction Delays on I-95 and Buckman Bridge Maintenance for Monday, Feb 23

Morning Commute Overview

Jacksonville commuters should prepare for a slow start this Monday, February 23, 2026. As the work week begins, major artery congestion is expected due to several high-profile infrastructure projects reaching critical phases. Drivers are encouraged to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes for travel along the I-95 and I-295 corridors, particularly during the peak windows of 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Major Highway Impacts

Several significant Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects are currently impacting traffic flow across Duval County:

• I-95 Widening: The ongoing widening project from south of Emerson Street to Atlantic Boulevard remains active. Commuters can expect narrow lanes and shifting traffic patterns in this zone as crews work toward a projected completion later this spring.
• I-10 Widening: Work continues on I-10 between I-295 and I-95 to expand the interstate to ten lanes. While major lane closures are typically restricted to nighttime hours, the presence of barrier walls and heavy machinery near the McDuff Avenue and Stockton Street interchanges may cause rubbernecking delays during the morning rush.
• I-95/I-295 North Interchange: Long-term modernization efforts at the Northside interchange are ongoing. Motorists traveling toward the Jacksonville International Airport should watch for overnight lane closures that may bleed into the early morning hours.

Bridge and Local Road Maintenance

Bridge work will be a notable factor for Southside and Westside commuters today:

• Buckman Bridge (I-295): Maintenance operations are currently underway on the Buckman Bridge. Expect intermittent lane closures in both the northbound and southbound directions. These works are expected to persist through the end of the week.
• Main Street (US-17): Road construction is active on Main Street between Baisden Road and the Nassau River Bridge, which may slow traffic for those commuting from northern Duval or Nassau County.
• Emerson Street (SR-126): Long-term construction continues between Phillips Highway and Spring Park Road.

JTA Public Transit Updates

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) continues its six-month Fare Modification Pilot Program, which remains a cost-saving option for commuters looking to avoid road congestion. Fixed-route bus fares have been reduced from $1.75 to just $1.00. Additionally, the NAVI autonomous shuttle service operating on Bay Street is currently free of charge. JTA has also recently implemented service enhancements on Routes 8, 10, 18, and 28 to increase frequency and reliability.

Commuter Safety Warning

Local authorities have issued a reminder regarding high wildfire risks in the region. Smoke from active brush fires in surrounding counties may settle in low-lying areas during the early morning hours, significantly reducing visibility on highways such as US-301 and I-95. Please use low-beam headlights and maintain a safe following distance if you encounter foggy or smoky conditions.