Lane Closures on I-295 Buckman Bridge and New JTA Fare Pilot in Effect

Major Weekend Lane Closures and New Transit Fares for Sunday, February 8

Jacksonville commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for significant travel impacts today, primarily affecting the southern and western portions of the I-295 beltway. As major infrastructure projects continue toward their 2026 completion targets, several key arteries are seeing restricted capacity this Sunday, alongside major changes to the city's public transit fare structure.

Buckman Bridge and I-295 Disruptions

The most substantial impact today is the ongoing finger joint replacement project on the I-295 Buckman Bridge. Drivers should expect the following conditions throughout the day:

• I-295 Southbound: Two lanes of the bridge remain closed. These continuous weekend closures are scheduled to stay in effect until 4:00 a.m. Monday morning.
• U.S. 17 Ramp Closure: The ramp from northbound U.S. 17 to southbound I-295 is closed. Motorists are being diverted to northbound I-295, where they must exit at Blanding Boulevard to loop back onto the southbound lanes.
• Speed Reductions: The posted speed limit across the bridge has been reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph. Increased law enforcement presence is expected to ensure work-zone safety.

I-10 Widening and Regional Roadworks

The expansion of I-10 between I-295 and I-95 continues to progress toward its mid-2026 completion. While heavy construction is largely reserved for weeknight hours, commuters should remain alert for narrowed lanes and shifted traffic patterns between Hammond Boulevard and Stockton Street. Permanent barrier walls in the area have reduced shoulder space, so extra caution is advised during merges.

In nearby Clay County, the widening of County Road 220 is in a critical phase. Construction of the new four-lane bridge over Little Black Creek has introduced local detours. Drivers traveling between Middleburg and Lakeside should allow an extra 15 minutes of travel time due to adjusted signal timings at the Henley Road intersection, where right-turn lanes remain restricted.

JTA Public Transport Updates

For those utilizing public transit, today marks the first full weekend of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) new fare pilot program. Notable updates for Sunday riders include:

• Reduced Fares: Fixed-route bus fares have been significantly lowered to $1.00 as part of a six-month pilot program. Connexion paratransit fares have also been reduced to $2.00 to improve system accessibility.
• Service Enhancements: New schedules and running time adjustments are now in effect for Routes 8, 10, 18, and 28. JTA officials recommend that Sunday riders verify their departure times via the JRTC at LaVilla or official mobile applications to account for these recent efficiency updates.