Downtown Road Closures for World of Nations; JTA Launches $1 Fare Pilot for March Commuters

Downtown Traffic Alert: World of Nations Celebration

Jacksonville residents and visitors planning to head downtown this Sunday, March 1, 2026, should prepare for significant road closures and increased pedestrian activity. The 34th Annual World of Nations Celebration is taking place at Ford on Bay, resulting in the following traffic restrictions through 11:59 p.m. tonight:

• Bay Street: Closed from Newnan Street to Liberty Street.
• Market Street: Closed south of Bay Street to Courthouse Drive.
• Liberty Street: Closed from Bay Street south to the Riverwalk (open for local traffic only).

Commuters and event attendees are encouraged to use Adams Street or Water Street as alternates. Parking is expected to be at a premium near the riverfront, with the Jax Center Garage and Yates Garage serving as the primary recommended parking hubs. Due to the high volume of multicultural festivities, police will be monitoring intersections for pedestrian safety near the Ford on Bay site.

I-10 Widening and Regional Highway Status

While major arterial traffic is moving steadily this morning, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues its work on the multi-year I-10 widening project between I-295 and I-95. Although the project is in its final phases—with a projected completion date of mid-2026—motorists should remain alert for shifted lane patterns and narrower-than-usual shoulders in the construction zone. No major daytime lane closures are scheduled for the interstate today, but drivers are reminded to maintain the reduced speed limit through the 5-mile corridor to ensure the safety of ongoing work crews.

Public Transport: JTA Fare Reductions and Service Updates

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has officially entered its second month of a new pilot program aimed at increasing ridership. Starting today, Sunday commuters can take advantage of significant fare reductions across the system:

• $1 Bus Fares: All fixed-route bus services have been reduced to $1 per ride.
• Free NAVI Shuttles: The autonomous NAVI shuttles operating along Bay Street are currently free to the public, providing a convenient way to navigate the downtown event zone.
• Route Enhancements: Riders on Routes 8, 10, 18, and 28 should note that recent schedule adjustments implemented in late January remain in effect to improve on-time performance.

With sunny skies and warmer weather forecast for the remainder of the day, traffic is expected to remain moderate outside of the downtown core. However, those traveling toward the Southbank or San Marco areas should watch for residual police presence near the urban core following localized rally activity earlier this weekend.