The shared use path is part of the Interstate 10/ Interstate 95 Interchange Improvements Project and is expected to be complete in spring 2021, said Daryl Goss, community outreach specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.
The multi-use path will run adjacent to the southbound lanes of the Fuller Warren Bridge. In spanning the St. Johns River, it will provide and easy and scenic connection between Riverside and San Marco for bicyclists and pedestrians. On the San Marco side, the shared-use path will connect to a new multi-use path that runs along the river behind Nemours Children’s Specialty Care. That path will extend down Children’s Way to Nira Street toward Hendricks Avenue and Kings Avenue eventually connecting with the Southbank Riverwalk near The District.
“Pedestrians will have access to the SUP upon completion of the project. There have been no significant changes to the concept or the design,” he said.
According to the FDOT website, the project will widen the Fuller Warren Bridge by expanding the northbound and southbound lanes from three to four lanes in each direction. The Interstate 10 improvements include a dedicated ramp to Irene and Stockton Streets to reduce weaving traffic merging from Interstate 95 southbound to Interstate 10 westbound. A widening of the overpass from Interstate 95 northbound to Interstate 10 westbound will allow for future improvements along westbound Interstate 10.
Also included in the project will be sound barriers for residents along the east side of U.S. 17 northbound between McDuff Avenue and Rosselle Street. Sound barriers will also be built for residents along the south side of Interstate 10 eastbound between Stockton and College Streets. Proposed sound barriers on the west side of U.S. 17 southbound between McDuff Avenue and Roselle Street have been removed from the project’s plans, according to the FDOT website.
Enhancements to the shared-use path on the Fuller Warren Bridge will include Riverside Arts Market aesthetics on the Riverside on-ramp as well as an accommodation for art in public places. Architecturally decorative lighting features along the bridge’s SUP will be installed, and the new bridge elements will mirror current bridge elements with special artistic features similar to those at RAM and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
Also included in the project will be New monument signs for Stockton and College Streets, according to the website.
By Marcia Hodgson
Resident Community News