If crossing the Main Street bridge is part of your daily commute, a small change coming to the bridge could mean a little more time in traffic, so plan to add some extra time to your commute over the next several months.
Starting Monday, August 24, construction will reduce southbound traffic to one lane and close the pedestrian walkway on that side of the bridge.
The changes are part of the Riverfront Plaza Main Street Bridge nub removal project, which supports the ongoing redevelopment of the former Jacksonville Landing site.
So, who will this closure impact? Drivers heading southbound on the bridge toward Riverplace Boulevard should expect a reduction in lanes, while pedestrians will be directed along a temporary route. Northbound traffic will still
have two lanes open.
The work, being handled by the City of Jacksonville Department of Public Works and contractor The Haskell Company, is expected to continue through January 30, 2027.
If you’re driving or walking between Downtown’s Northbank and Southbank, be prepared for possible delays and follow the posted detour signs throughout the construction in the coming months.
Here’s what drivers and pedestrians should keep in mind:
5 things drivers and pedestrians need to know about the Main Street bridge closure
- Southbound traffic will be down to one lane. Drivers heading toward Riverplace Boulevard will have just one lane open.
- The southbound pedestrian walkway will close. Pedestrians will be rerouted and should follow posted detour signs.
- Northbound traffic will remain open. Two northbound lanes will continue to operate during construction.
- The closure affects the Main Street bridge. The bridge connects Downtown Jacksonville’s Northbank and Southbank across the St. Johns River.
- The work could last through January 2027. Construction is scheduled to begin Aug. 24, 2026, with completion expected by Jan. 30, 2027.
Why will the Main Street bridge be reduced to one lane?
The lane reduction is needed to make way for nub removal work tied to the ongoing Riverfront Plaza development at the former Jacksonville Landing site. The project is part of the city’s broader effort to transform and improve Jacksonville’s downtown riverfront and Riverwalk.
Main Street bridge work is expected to create delays
If you’re traveling between the Northbank and Southbank, be prepared for some extra time on the road and consider taking an alternate route. Keep an eye out for posted signs and project updates for the latest detour and closure information.
Riverfront Plaza Main Street Bridge nub removal impacts. See map
See historic photos of the Main Street bridge
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Main Street bridge lane closure could slow your commute for months
