Friday Traffic Alert: Donna Marathon Starts at the Beach Amid Freezing Morning Commute

Morning Chill and Lane Closures: Friday Commute Update

Good morning, Jacksonville. Commuters should prepare for a challenging start to the day as freezing temperatures grip the First Coast on this Friday, January 30, 2026. With wind chills reaching the 20s, the National Weather Service has issued warnings that may affect local travel. While major arteries like I-95 and I-10 are currently seeing standard Friday volumes, several strategic roadwork projects and a major race weekend at the beach will impact your drive today.

Key Highway and Local Roadwork

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews are active across the city. Motorists should be aware of the following daytime lane closures scheduled to persist through the Friday evening rush:

• Zoo Parkway: Expect westbound lane closures at the intersection of Imeson Park Boulevard for road and manhole maintenance. This work is scheduled to conclude at 4:30 p.m.
• U.S. 17 (Main Street): Northbound daytime lane closures are in effect at Pecan Park Road. Additionally, travelers should expect delays between Baisden Road and Cedar Bay Road, where daytime roadwork is scheduled until 7:00 p.m.
• State Road 116 (Wonderwood Drive): Significant work continues between Jane Street and Sand Castle Lane. Eastbound lane closures are in effect until 5:00 p.m., while westbound work is scheduled to wrap up earlier at 2:30 p.m.
• White Avenue at I-95: The continuous southbound road closure for overpass construction remains active. Commuters must follow the established detour to navigate around the site.

Major Weekend Event: Donna Marathon Weekend

The annual Donna Marathon Weekend officially kicks off today, January 30. With events like the 5K and DONNA Dash centered at the beach, residents should expect heavy congestion along coastal routes and increased pedestrian activity. Traffic near the oceanside race hubs will be dense throughout the morning and into the afternoon as participants arrive for the weekend's action-packed schedule.

JTA Public Transport and Weather Response

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) reminds riders that the service enhancements announced earlier this week for Routes 8, 10, 18, and 28 are now fully active, featuring adjusted running times for better reliability. Furthermore, JTA is maintaining its commitment to safety during this cold snap. Free transportation remains available for vulnerable individuals to the city’s warming center at the Legends Center. These shuttles operate while the city’s Warming Center Contingency Plan is active, typically closing morning sessions at 9:00 a.m. and reopening in the evening if temperatures remain critical.

Commuter Safety Advice

Due to the freezing conditions, please allow extra time for your vehicle to defrost and check tire pressure, which can drop significantly in the cold. With ongoing construction in the I-10 widening zone and the $247 million I-95 downtown project, stay focused and avoid distractions while navigating work zones.