Jacksonville City Council considers $6 million Bay Street pedestrian safety plan near EverBank Stadium access

Bay Street corridor targeted for raised crossings and traffic-calming near Jacksonville’s Sports District

Jacksonville City Council is weighing a $6 million pedestrian-safety project on Bay Street near EverBank Stadium, a corridor that carries heavy vehicle volumes during major events and is expected to face rising foot traffic as nearby riverfront and private development advances. The proposal is structured as a partnership in which project funding would be split between the Florida Department of Transportation and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

City Public Works leadership has described the goal as creating a more pedestrian-friendly connection between the stadium area and new activity centers along the Northbank, including the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences development. The plan is designed to slow traffic in front of the stadium and improve crossing conditions between the stadium side of Bay Street and amenities on the opposite side.

What the project would build

The package under consideration centers on two raised “tabletop” pedestrian crossings, a design that elevates the crosswalk to sidewalk height and functions similarly to a speed table. Under the schedule presented to city officials, the eastern crossing would be installed during the current off-season, with the western crossing planned for the following off-season.

• Two raised tabletop pedestrian crossings on Bay Street near the stadium area
• Phased construction timed around off-seasons to limit impacts during the busiest event periods
• Traffic-calming approach intended to reduce vehicle speeds where pedestrian volumes spike on event days

How the proposal fits broader downtown changes

The Bay Street safety work is moving forward amid multiple transportation and public-space initiatives tied to Jacksonville’s Sports & Entertainment District. EverBank Stadium is in the early stages of a large-scale renovation program targeted for completion ahead of the 2028 NFL season, a timeline that is expected to reshape circulation patterns around the venue as construction progresses.

At the same time, city planners are advancing changes to nearby parks and riverfront public areas, including ongoing design work for a significant revamp of Metropolitan Park east of the Four Seasons site. Taken together, these projects are expected to increase year-round pedestrian activity beyond traditional game-day peaks, heightening focus on safe crossings and street design.

Other transportation items on the same council agenda

The pedestrian-safety discussion near EverBank Stadium is part of a broader set of traffic initiatives being presented to Council. City officials have also outlined a $4.4 million project at the Braddock Road and Dunn Avenue intersection intended to reduce severe crashes and delays through signal and related operational improvements. In addition, a $5 million investment is being advanced for Pecan Park Road between Interstate 95 and Main Street, including roadway widening and drainage work.

The Bay Street proposal is framed as a targeted safety intervention at a high-demand event corridor, with delivery planned in stages to align with seasonal construction windows.

Council deliberations will determine whether the Bay Street project advances as proposed, including confirmation of cost-sharing, final scope, and construction timing.