Jacksonville Plans University Boulevard Safety Redesign
The city is considering a $32 million project to add new paths and potentially reduce lanes for better neighborhood safety.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Jacksonville Transportation Authority and city officials have proposed a $32 million to $34 million redesign of University Boulevard between the Arlington Expressway and the Merrill Road roundabout. The project aims to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by introducing new infrastructure options, including potential lane reductions.
Why it matters
This corridor redesign addresses long-standing safety concerns for residents, cyclists, and pedestrians who frequently use this busy stretch of road. The city is weighing four different concepts to balance traffic flow with non-motorized access.
The proposed project covers University Boulevard between the Arlington Expressway and the Merrill Road roundabout, with costs estimated between $32 million and $34 million. The designs include features like a 10-foot shared-use path and, in some plans, a 6-foot sidewalk.
The players
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
The agency responsible for managing and planning the citys transit and roadway infrastructure.
City of Jacksonville
The local municipal government overseeing the urban planning and development of the area.
The details
The redesign team is evaluating options that range from maintaining the existing five-lane configuration to reducing parts of the road to three lanes. Certain designs also incorporate roundabouts to manage traffic flow more efficiently. These changes are intended to provide safer, dedicated spaces for residents on foot or on bicycles alongside vehicular traffic.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Public workshop held to gather resident input on the project.
Early 2027: Construction is expected to begin.
The Home Front
This project aligns with the national trend of Complete Streets infrastructure design aimed at improving multi-modal access for all road users. It represents a significant shift in local zoning and transit priorities to prioritize non-motorized connectivity.
If you live near University Boulevard, review the four design concepts to see how potential lane changes might impact your daily commute and home access. Keep an eye on city communications for updates on the final plan selection before construction starts in early 2027.
The takeaway
The proposed changes represent a significant effort to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety in this corridor. Residents should monitor future city announcements regarding the preferred design to understand potential traffic shifts near their homes.
Further reading
Learn more about local updates at the Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
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