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New express lanes a quick, costly way to avoid rush hour traffic

By Nick Blank Staff Writer
Posted 5/22/19

Interstate-295 commuters to and from Clay County now have the choice of a two express lanes east of the Buckman Bridge to eschew the rush hour buildup – but at a cost.

Knee-high orange …

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New express lanes a quick, costly way to avoid rush hour traffic


Posted

Interstate-295 commuters to and from Clay County now have the choice of a two express lanes east of the Buckman Bridge to eschew the rush hour buildup – but at a cost.

Knee-high orange delineators, from the Buckman Bridge to I-95, cordon off the Express Lanes, the Florida Department of Transportation’s effort to increase travel speeds by about 13 miles per hour. The project cost $89 million.

FDOT spokesman Hampton Ray said a significant portion of Clay County commutes outside the county. A 2013 FDOT safety study showed the Buckman Bridge was traveled by more than 125,000 cars a day, a 15,500-car increase from 1998.

The Express Lanes would better connect drivers from Clay, Duval and St. Johns counties, Ray said. Express Lanes are also under construction from Butler Boulevard to State Road 9B.

“It’s going to be great for people heading to downtown via I-95 or heading to the beach and the Ponte Vedra [Beach] area,” Ray said. “Currently the peak hour travel times between the Buckman Bridge and I-95 is 7 miles per hour, so we anticipate that to increase to 20 miles per hour.”

Most criticism comes from commuters having to pay the tolls, which will be used to maintain the road. Ray said the Express Lanes eased the burden on the three other lanes on the beltway.

“[The Express Lanes] offer drivers a choice and adds capacity to the roadway,” Ray said. “A lot of people are hung up on that they have to pay to use the lanes during peak hours. While that’s true, you’ll still see an impact on travel speeds on the roadway because of that additional capacity.”

The tolls cost at least 50 cents, though the exact cost depends on congestion. The fine for not paying tolls is $25. To use the Express Lanes, commuters must have a SunPass. Charges are in effect Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.

Only two-axle vehicles are permitted on the Express Lanes, and van-pools, buses and school buses are allowed with an exemption.

SunPasses are available at most major retailers or at SunPass.com.