Jacksonville Commute Alert: Heavy Delays on I-295 North and Key Interchange Detours

Major Incident Alert: I-295 Northbound Closure

Jacksonville commuters are advised of a significant traffic disruption on the Northside this morning. All northbound lanes of I-295 near New Kings Road (US-1) and Pritchard Road are currently closed following a serious crash with reported injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol is on the scene conducting an investigation. Traffic is being diverted, and motorists should expect heavy congestion stretching back toward the I-10 interchange. It is highly recommended to use alternative routes such as I-95 or local surface roads to bypass the West Beltway closure.

Overnight Detours and Bridge Maintenance

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues its intensive infrastructure schedule this week. Drivers should be prepared for the following major roadworks tonight and throughout the week:

• I-95 and I-295 North Interchange: As part of the ongoing interchange improvement project, overnight detours are scheduled from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. These closures affect multiple ramps and are necessary for roadway and bridge construction operations through Thursday, February 26.
• Buckman Bridge (I-295): Periodic bridge maintenance operations continue on both northbound and southbound lanes. While major lane closures are typically restricted to off-peak hours, motorists should stay alert for slow-moving maintenance vehicles and narrowed lanes. This project is expected to wrap up within the next five days.
• I-10 Widening Project: Construction activity remains high between I-295 and I-95. Nighttime lane closures are in effect from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM between Hammond Boulevard and Stockton Street. Additionally, detours are active at the McDuff Avenue and Cassat Avenue interchanges.

Regional Roadwork Updates

Beyond the major interstates, several key arteries are seeing significant construction activity that may impact local travel times:

• Main Street (US-17): Roadwork between Baisden Road and the Nassau River Bridge is nearing completion, with six days remaining in the current phase. Expect intermittent lane shifts.
• 103rd Street (SR-134): Long-term construction between Samaritan Way and Shindler Drive in the Jacksonville Heights area is set to conclude in the next 48 hours. Final paving operations may cause minor delays today.
• Emerson Street (SR-126): Ongoing work near the I-95 interchange and Philips Highway continues to restrict flow during daylight hours.

Public Transit and Commuter Advice

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) reports that fixed-route bus services are operating on schedule, though some routes may experience slight delays due to the I-295 closure. Riders of the NAVI autonomous shuttles downtown should note that normal operations continue today ahead of upcoming public town hall meetings regarding the U2C expansion. Commuters are encouraged to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes for their morning travels, particularly if their route involves the Northside or the West Beltway.