First Coast Expressway toll collection starts July 13th

Jacksonville, FL — Toll collection is set to begin on the First Coast Expressway on July 13th.

WOKV previously reported that the Florida Department of Transportation was nearing the point where they would start that collection, and the date has now been set. The tolled portion starts south of New World Avenue and ends at Blanding Boulevard, for now. There will be more tolls enforced in the future, as more of the roadway is constructed.

Cash will not be accepted on the roadway. Instead, drivers can use a SunPass or toll-by-plate without stopping under the electronic tolling gantries. The FDOT says drivers with a SunPass will pay a lower toll rate, and will not face a $2.50 monthly administrative fee that is associated with the toll-by-plate option.

The end result of the First Coast Expressway is a road that connects US90 and I-10 in Duval County through to Blanding Boulevard in Clay County, and then over a new bridge across the St. Johns River, to ultimately connect to I-95 in St. Johns County. The FDOT says construction is underway on the second phase, which connects from Blanding to east of County Road 209 in Clay County. That full segment is currently slated to be completed in 2026.

The final phase that connects through to St. Johns County is expected to begin in 2023. The FDOT says the new bridge, which is intended to replace the Shands Bridge, will increase clearance from 45 feet to 65 feet, to accommodate additional shipping traffic.