Local

I-295 express lane construction delayed until fall 2017

The Florida Department of Transportation hopes 2017 will become known as the "Year of the Express Lanes" to Jacksonville residents.

Started in 2014, an $89 million dollar project began adding express lanes to the I-295 West Beltway between the Buckman Bridge and I-95.

Originally, the project was slated for completion in late 2016. However, FDOT Public Information Officer Ray Hampton says this portion of the project will not wrap up until fall of 2017.

Express lanes give drivers the option of either using the tolled lanes or the free ones they are already using.

When we asked the reason for the delay, Ray cited unexpected weather and scheduling conditions for the contractor. FDOT is informing drivers of the new timetable via blue signage through the Mandarin area.

“FDOT is rolling out a campaign to educate the public on how to use the express lanes and why they will benefit the community,” Ray says.

A poll of drivers in Miami released by the FDOT gave a 71% satisfaction rating on the recently installed express lanes in their area.

Ray cites that many drivers enjoy express lanes because they give a predictable commute while simultaneously easing the congestion on the normal lanes.

FDOT is hopeful the express lanes will ease congestion for Orange Park and Mandarin drivers on the I-295 West Beltway.

Drivers will need to purchase a Sun Pass in order to use the express lanes and the price of the tolls will automatically be deducted from their accounts.

The second phase of the express lanes - on the I-295 East Beltway between SR-9B and Butler Boulevard - remain on schedule for completion in 2019. That is a $139.9 million dollar contract.

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