Downtown Gridlock: World of Nations Closures Begin Today; Major Delays on I-95 and Normandy Blvd

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Jacksonville. As we wrap up the final Friday of February, commuters heading into Downtown and the Westside should prepare for significant shifts in traffic patterns. The 34th Annual World of Nations Celebration officially begins its setup today, triggering major road closures in the urban core that will remain in effect throughout the weekend. Additionally, several long-term FDOT projects are reaching critical phases this morning, particularly on I-95 and Normandy Boulevard.

Downtown Alert: World of Nations Road Closures

Starting at 6:00 a.m. this morning, Friday, February 27, several key segments of Downtown will be inaccessible to through traffic. Motorists should seek alternate routes to avoid the following closures:

• Bay Street: Closed from Newnan Street to Liberty Street.
• Liberty Street: Closed from Bay Street south to the Northbank Riverwalk (local traffic access only).
• Market Street: Remains closed south of Bay Street to Courthouse Drive.

JPD is directing commuters to use East Adams Street or Union Street as bypasses. Expect heavy congestion near the Ford on Bay site as crews prepare for the festival.

Interstate and Major Artery Updates

Heavy equipment and lane shifts continue to impact our major highways today. Here are the primary areas of concern:

• I-95 at Emerson Street: Overnight ramp closures are scheduled to wrap up by 7:00 a.m., but residual delays are expected throughout the morning peak. Continuous construction remains active between Emerson and Atlantic Boulevard.
• I-295 Buckman Bridge: Bridge maintenance operations are ongoing. Watch for intermittent lane narrowings and a heavy police presence ensuring worker safety through the weekend.
• Normandy Boulevard (SR 228): Daytime lane closures are in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. between U.S. 301 and the Jacksonville Equestrian Center for resurfacing work.
• 103rd Street (SR 134): Road construction continues between Samaritan Way and Shindler Drive. Expect delays in the Jacksonville Heights area.

JTA Transit and Public Transport Alerts

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has confirmed several service modifications due to the downtown festivities. The NAVI autonomous shuttles will operate on a detour today until midnight, with temporary stops established at the intersection of Bay and Newnan Streets.

The following bus routes are currently under detour status:

• Routes 1, 3, 11, and 18: Detoured from their standard Bay Street paths. Passengers should utilize the temporary stops on Adams and Newnan Streets.
• Route 8: Continues to detour around the Art Museum Drive Bridge closure.

As a reminder, JTA’s Fare Modification Pilot Program remains in effect; all fixed-route bus fares are currently reduced to just $1.00.