St. Patrick’s Day Commute: Heavy Congestion Near Southside Events and Major US-17 Roadworks

Morning Commute Overview for Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Good morning, Jacksonville. As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this Tuesday, commuters should prepare for a mix of holiday-related congestion and ongoing infrastructure projects. While the morning rush is moving steadily on I-95, significant localized delays are expected throughout the day, particularly near major Irish hubs and active construction zones in North Jacksonville and the Southbank area.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Delays

The primary area of concern for Northside commuters remains the US 17 (Main Street) widening project. Significant work continues on the stretch between New Berlin Road and Airport Center Drive. Drivers are reporting slower-than-usual speeds as crews transition between phases of the $36 million project, which is slated for completion later this fall. It is recommended to use I-95 as an alternate route to avoid the bottleneck near the Airport Center intersection.

Additionally, the Art Museum Drive Bridge remains closed to all through traffic. This closure has been in place since early 2026 and continues to divert significant volume onto surrounding surface streets. Commuters heading toward the Atlantic Boulevard area should allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes for these detours.

JTA Public Transport and Skyway Alerts

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has several active service alerts for today:

• Skyway Service: The Southbank Line is currently operating via a "Bus Bridge" between Kings Avenue and Rosa Parks Station. The Downtown Line is restricted to a single train due to ongoing maintenance. Plan for extended wait times if using the Skyway for downtown lunch travel.
• Route 12: Construction by JEA at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Kings Road has forced a detour that is expected to last through the end of the month. Several stops along this route are currently not being serviced.
• Route 22: Ongoing closures near 13th Street and Fairfax Street continue to impact local schedules.

As a reminder for all transit users, JTA’s $1 fare pilot program remains in effect for all fixed-route buses. If you are planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day downtown, the NAVI autonomous shuttle on Bay Street is currently free of charge, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative to driving.

St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

Expect heavy pedestrian traffic and localized congestion starting at midday around Culhane’s Irish Pub locations on the Southside and at the Beaches. Similar crowds are expected in the Springfield area and near the Bay Street Sports Grill. Law enforcement will have an increased presence this evening to manage traffic flow and ensure pedestrian safety. Please drive with extra caution in these entertainment districts.