The orange barrels that lined Forsyth and Adams streets have been removed. Starting this Wednesday, Downtown Jacksonville drivers can now enjoy two-way traffic.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If your commute includes driving through Downtown Jacksonville, your daily drive may look different starting Wednesay.
That’s because both Adams and Forsyth streets will no longer be going in one-way directions.
Drivers are getting around Downtown Jacksonville with fewer U-turns because both Forsyth and Adams streets are now open to two-way traffic
For years, this area has been part of an ongoing road work project. Previously, drivers were accustomed to having two eastbound lanes on Forsyth and two westbound lanes on Adams Street.
Due to the construction’s completion, both lanes will have one lane going in either direction.
The Downtown Investment Authority states that this initiative aims to reintroduce two-way travel downtown to promote economic growth, boost property values, and improve the efficiency of on-street parking and rideshare services.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said the change marks a step forward in improving infrastructure downtown.
“This marks a major milestone in our vision to revitalize Downtown,” said Deegan. “We’re bringing back walkability and foot traffic, slowing down vehicular traffic, and creating spaces where people want to gather and spend some time, rather than just speed through on their way someplace else.”
Jacksonville City Councilman Jimmy Peluso said he’s heard mixed reviews from constituents, but the idea is to slow traffic down in this area, making it easier to park and enjoy downtown businesses.
Natasha Burton, owner of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop, located on Adams Street, says she’s optimistic that the change will bring more people downtown.
“It’s gonna be great for downtown,” said Burton. “It gives people more access to all these different businesses. A lot of times, people don’t want to deal with the one-way streets — they don’t really understand how they work, so they just stay away.”
Burton hopes this change will bring more customers to her shop.
“I think in the long run it’s gonna be really helpful. I think it’s gonna speed things up for customers because they’re gonna be able to come straight to us. They’re not gonna feel like they’re gonna have to drive around the block in order to get to us,” Burton said.
Pizza Dynamo, which just opened last month on Forsyth, is optimistic about the traffic change.
“Like when there are long lines, only enough people get through, but with two lanes, it will help traffic a tremendous amount,” Cody Stargell, Pizza Dynamo director of operations, told First Coast News.
He and other businesses on this side of the city add that they hope this will make it easier for both their workers and customers to come into their storefronts.
“I think it will definitely help bring more traffic and make it easier for people to commute. They’re not missing one-ways and having to circle around the block to get to us. I think being able to get right off of it is very helpful,” Stargell added.
Just because Forsyth and Adams streets have changed their directions doesn’t mean the cross streets have as well. Keep in mind where you can turn right and left while driving downtown and follow the signs; also, watch out for pedestrians trying to cross with traffic coming in both directions.
Since the one-way directions have been a habit, expect slower traffic around both Forsyth and Adams streets. Be aware of others navigating the traffic change for the first time.
