Duval Times

Several projects are progressing to establish a continuous, activated, and resilient riverwalk along the western end of the Northbank riverfront in downtown Jacksonville.

McCoy’s Creek Restoration began in 2019 with the removal of the Leland St. and Smith St. Bridges and is advancing in phases. Phase I of the channel reconstruction, from Leland Street to I-95, is underway and scheduled for completion in Fall 2024. Construction on the McCoys Creek Outfall, from May Street to the St. Johns River, began in 2023 and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2025. This project aims to mitigate flooding by restoring McCoys Creek to a more natural design, featuring a wider and deeper channel. A linear park system alongside the creek will include the Emerald Trail.

Riverfront Plaza involves constructing a new bulkhead and a destination riverfront park at the former Jacksonville Landing site. Phase One encompasses the western half of the park and includes an event lawn facing the Performing Arts Center, a playground and splashpad, restrooms, a small café and park office, as well as a landscaped Riverwalk extending from Hogan Street to the Main Street Bridge. Design will commence this summer on a Downtown Investment Authority CRA funded riverfront restaurant on the western side of the park. Construction for Phase Two on the eastern half will follow Phase One with completion expected in 2027. This phase features a pedestrian path connection to Main Street Bridge, a grand civic staircase with a fountain for water play and shows, and an outdoor beer garden.

The Northbank Bulkhead Replacement - CSX project entails designing and constructing a new bulkhead between Acosta Bridge and W. Coastline Dr., addressing subsidence issues along that stretch of Riverwalk. Construction is set to start in Fall 2024 with an anticipated completion date in Fall 2025.

The Performing Arts Center – Jacksonville Musical Heritage Garden project focuses on creating a musical-themed garden space behind the Performing Arts Center. It includes hardscaping, landscaping, and other artistic amenities aimed at enhancing this section of Northbank Riverwalk. The design phase is currently underway with construction expected to be completed by Fall 2025.

During these construction periods, parts of Riverwalk will be closed intermittently or completely when all work zones are active from Fall 2024 through Fall 2025:

- Currently: The Riverwalk is closed between Pearl Street and Main Street.

- July 8, 2024: The next closure begins around July 8 in McCoys Creek Work Zone from Jackson Street to Acosta Bridge until Fall 2025.

- Corkscrew Park remains accessible via Pearl Street until construction starts in CSX Bulkhead Work Zone this fall.

- Fall 2024: The CSX bulkhead project starts then lasting until Fall 2025; during this period Riverwalk will close entirely from Jackson Street to Main Street requiring pedestrians/bicyclists detour via Newnan Street.

Vehicle traffic won't be impacted by riverwalk construction projects but other vehicular detours (Emerald Trail – Hogan Street Connector, Adams St., Forsyth St., Park Street Road Diet) will have appropriate signage marking affected areas.

For more information on these projects visit Mayor’s Transparency Dashboards at www.jacksonville.gov.

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