A Look at the Southside Boulevard Visioning Plan
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has a new vision for the future of Southside Boulevard. Take a look at some of the highlights and let us know what you think.
Purpose of the Southside Boulevard Corridor Vision Plan
Southside Boulevard began as small rural road near the Arlington Expressway between Beach and Atlantic Boulevards.
In the 1950s, residential development such as Deerwood and large land donations by Jacksonville’s Skinner family (to support further development in the area) resulted in the extension of the Boulevard southward to Philips Highway. Since that time, the corridor has evolved from a primarily low-density residential community with a rural character to one boasting multi-family development, significant regional commercial destinations, educational facilities, and major employment centers. The Boulevard is now a major arterial roadway (designated as State Road 115 in the Florida State Highway System) that provides significant through service and connectivity with Philips Highway (US 1), I-95, Baymeadows Road, Butler Boulevard, Beach Boulevard (US 90), Atlantic Boulevard, Arlington Expressway and I-295 (SR 9A).
This evolution begins to describe the underlying questions that ultimately define the primary purpose of this Vision Plan – how can the Boulevard be transformed to meet the needs of differing adjacent land uses and their unique characteristics; the demands of the regional transportation network; and the aspirations of a diverse group of stakeholders? These are the questions that became apparent through public involvement and stakeholder input as well as an examination of the assets and deficiencies of the Boulevard.
Corridor Overview
Jacksonville, like many cities its size, has seen most of its growth occur in the age of the automobile. This is especially true for the Southside Boulevard Corridor, which is highly autocentric. However, solving growing transportation demands solely with roadway solutions is becoming more and more difficult as costs and impacts of roadway improvements continually rise. This has led to increased focus on balancing roadway improvements with multi-modal solutions and planning them together.
As a result, JTA is striving to plan and develop a regional multi-modal transit network for the City of Jacksonville. The approach includes numerous components such as a regional transportation center; intelligent transportation systems; commuter rail; waterborne transit; bus rapid transit; streetcars; neighborhood-focused community shuttles; and transit oriented development. Southside Boulevard is a critical link in this planned network and is envisioned to be improved as a rapid transit corridor providing connectivity to major east-west corridors such as Baymeadows Road, J Turner Butler Boulevard, Gate Parkway, Beach Boulevard, and the Arlington Expressway/Atlantic Boulevard system.
Past Improvements, Prior Studies and Guiding Policy
A number of planning efforts and noteworthy roadway improvements have taken place since Southside Boulevard was extended southward to Philips Highway in the 1950s. In the early 1970s the Boulevard was being considered as a possible route for SR 9A, which is now I-295. In the 1980s, Southside was extended northward from the Arlington Expressway to Merrill Road, and widened from 2 to 4 four lanes between Hogan Road and the I-95 Ramps. In the 1990s it was widened from the I-95 ramps to US-1 and extended from Merrill Road to SR 9A.
Since 2000, interchanges have been studied at the Baymeadows Road and Atlantic Boulevard intersections, the Beach Boulevard Interchange was reconstructed as a modern Single Point Urban Diamond, a new interchange was constructed at Tredinick Parkway and frontage roads were provided between Tredinick Parkway and Merrill Road. Additionally, new ramps connected Southside Boulevard with the Arlington Expressway and Southside Boulevard was widened from 4 to 6 lanes south of Butler Boulevard. The improvements that have occurred during the past 40 years have made Southside Boulevard a significant link in the highway system by providing mobility for people and goods in one of the most dynamic mixed use areas of northeast Florida.
Existing Characteristics
Southside Boulevard’s operational characteristics, like other highways, is graded on a scale called Level of Service, which is similar to how students are graded in school with “A” being very good, and “F” being poor, as follows:
• Level “A” consists of free flow, few restrictions, not many vehicles, and drivers are very relaxed
• Level “B” consists of relatively free flow, traffic is still light, maneuvers are becoming slightly
restrictive, but the driver remains fairly relaxed
• Level “C” consists of increasing traffic but flowing well, changing lanes is more difficult, and
some drivers tend to be uncomfortable
• Level “D” consists reduced speeds, restricted freedom to maneuver, and much lower levels of
comfort for all drivers
• Level “E” consists of irregular flow , some slow-downs and even delays, very few chances to
maneuver, and poor comfort levels for drivers
• Level “F” consists of total congestion with cars following one another with little opportunity
to maneuver, traffic jams are common and both the driver and passengers are becoming
frustrated
The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization has adopted Level of Service “D” as the
minimum acceptable Level of Service for this region.
Existing Transit
Numerous bus routes travel either within the corridor or across it. There are four main routes which travel along Southside Boulevard for varying distances: the S1, SS6, B7, and L7.
• The S1 extends along Southside Boulevard from the Avenues Mall to Centurion Parkway and then continues outside of the corridor through Deerwood Park and along Gate Parkway. It re-enters Southside Boulevard again from Touchton Road extending to Atlantic Boulevard and finally continues west across the Arlington Expressway to the Rosa Parks Transit Station Downtown. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 75-minute peak and off-peak headway between buses on weekdays.
• The SS6 begins outside of the corridor at the University of North Florida and travels through the St. Johns Town Center and along Gate Parkway. It enters Southside Boulevard at Touchton Road and extends to Beach Boulevard. It then continues off Southside Boulevard to the west between Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 35-minute peak and off -peak headway between buses on weekdays.
• The B7 briefly travels along Southside Boulevard from Baymeadows Road to Old Baymeadows Road. The majority of the route is concentrated to the west on Baymeadows Road and to the north on San Jose Boulevard. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 90-minute peak and off-peak headway between buses on weekdays.
• The L7 briefly travels along Southside Boulevard from Philips Highway to Deercreek Club Road as circulation around the Avenues Mall. The route continues north on Philips Highway through Downtown stopping at the Rosa Parks Transit Station and continuing north to the Gateway Transit Hub at Golfair Boulevard and then north to Soutel Drive. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 30-minute peak headway and a 60-minute off -peak headway between buses on weekdays.
Many other bus routes cross Southside Boulevard or tie into one of the main routes along it: the express WS91 along Philips Highway, SS8 along Hogan Road, K2 along Beach Boulevard, and express X2 along Beach Boulevard. The Mandarin Community Shuttle and Sunshine Bus connections provide service to the Avenues Mall via Philips Highway on the southern end of the corridor. Additionally, the Regency Square Mall Transit Hub provides a primary stop for the AR6, AR7, CT4, R5, U2, and the Arlington Community Shuttle on the northern end of the corridor.
Southside Boulevard Right-of-way width
Number of travel lanes on Southside Boulevard.
Existing (top) and Future (bottom) Land Use Diagrams
Existing bus stops, sidewalks, and frontage road diagram (top) and existing pedestrian crosswalks (bottom).
Traffic signals and crash locations
Character Segments
The result of the physical, spatial and land use characteristics analysis was critical to establishing the framework of the Vision Plan, primarily with the recognition that the Corridor is composed of four character segments largely defined by right-of-way width and adjacent land uses-- the South, Central South, Central North and North. Each segment possesses range of common characteristics and urban design issues or challenges. Further, because the
corridor is approximately 10 miles in length, the segmental on of the corridor in this manner helped focus discussion and analysis and provides an effective means of identifying potential improvements.
Vision: South Segment
The South Segment extends from Philips Highway on the south to Deerwood Park Boulevard on the north. The primary existing character of this segment is defined by its 300 foot right-of-way, limited frontage roads, and a dynamic mix of land uses that includes Avenues Mall; neighborhood commercial areas surrounding the intersections of Baymeadows and Old Baymeadows Roads; the Florida State College and well-established multi-family residential neighborhoods. The image below provides an example of potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities and landscaping.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Sketch of Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept at Baymeadows Road.
Vision: Central South Segment
The Central South Segment extends from Deerwood Park Boulevard on the south to Touchton Road on the north. This segment is characterized by a right-of-way ranging from 250 to 280 feet, the absence of frontage roads, the interchange with J Turner Butler Boulevard, and primarily commercial land uses such as the major office complexes and corporate headquarters accessed via Gate Parkway. Newer mixed-use development such as Tapestry Park and that along Deerwood Lake Parkway further define this segment and the corridor’s commercial heart and activity center. The image below provides an example of potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities and landscaping.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept at Southside and Butler Boulevard interchange.
Vision: Central North Segment
The Central North Segment extends from Touchton Road on the south to Beach Boulevard on the north and is characterized by smaller commercial uses situated on shallow lots. Given the depth and orientation of these commercial lots, combined with the lack of a frontage road on the east, this segment of the corridor is primarily characterized by numerous vehicular access points (driveways and curb cuts) and a relatively cluttered commercial appearance. The image below provides an example of potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities and landscaping.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept at Beach Boulevard interchange.
Vision: North Segment
The North Segment extends from Beach Boulevard on the south to the Arlington Expressway on the north. Aside from the commercial node of Atlantic Boulevard and Arlington Expressway, this segment traverses primarily low-density residential neighborhoods that directly abut the Boulevard with minimal buffering elements. Furthermore, the North Segment is the only segment in the Corridor with a continuous system of frontage roads, resulting in a roadway section that resembles a true boulevard. The image below illustrates the community’s preference for potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities, landscaping and an earthen berm to buffer the Boulevard from adjacent residences.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept near Regency Square Mall.
Other considerations and improvements.
To view full document: https://www.jtafla.com/pdf/SouthsideVisioning/SouthsideBlvdCorridorVisioningPlan-FINAL12302013.pdf
Southside Boulevard began as small rural road near the Arlington Expressway between Beach and Atlantic Boulevards.
In the 1950s, residential development such as Deerwood and large land donations by Jacksonville’s Skinner family (to support further development in the area) resulted in the extension of the Boulevard southward to Philips Highway. Since that time, the corridor has evolved from a primarily low-density residential community with a rural character to one boasting multi-family development, significant regional commercial destinations, educational facilities, and major employment centers. The Boulevard is now a major arterial roadway (designated as State Road 115 in the Florida State Highway System) that provides significant through service and connectivity with Philips Highway (US 1), I-95, Baymeadows Road, Butler Boulevard, Beach Boulevard (US 90), Atlantic Boulevard, Arlington Expressway and I-295 (SR 9A).
This evolution begins to describe the underlying questions that ultimately define the primary purpose of this Vision Plan – how can the Boulevard be transformed to meet the needs of differing adjacent land uses and their unique characteristics; the demands of the regional transportation network; and the aspirations of a diverse group of stakeholders? These are the questions that became apparent through public involvement and stakeholder input as well as an examination of the assets and deficiencies of the Boulevard.
Corridor Overview
Jacksonville, like many cities its size, has seen most of its growth occur in the age of the automobile. This is especially true for the Southside Boulevard Corridor, which is highly autocentric. However, solving growing transportation demands solely with roadway solutions is becoming more and more difficult as costs and impacts of roadway improvements continually rise. This has led to increased focus on balancing roadway improvements with multi-modal solutions and planning them together.
As a result, JTA is striving to plan and develop a regional multi-modal transit network for the City of Jacksonville. The approach includes numerous components such as a regional transportation center; intelligent transportation systems; commuter rail; waterborne transit; bus rapid transit; streetcars; neighborhood-focused community shuttles; and transit oriented development. Southside Boulevard is a critical link in this planned network and is envisioned to be improved as a rapid transit corridor providing connectivity to major east-west corridors such as Baymeadows Road, J Turner Butler Boulevard, Gate Parkway, Beach Boulevard, and the Arlington Expressway/Atlantic Boulevard system.
Past Improvements, Prior Studies and Guiding Policy
A number of planning efforts and noteworthy roadway improvements have taken place since Southside Boulevard was extended southward to Philips Highway in the 1950s. In the early 1970s the Boulevard was being considered as a possible route for SR 9A, which is now I-295. In the 1980s, Southside was extended northward from the Arlington Expressway to Merrill Road, and widened from 2 to 4 four lanes between Hogan Road and the I-95 Ramps. In the 1990s it was widened from the I-95 ramps to US-1 and extended from Merrill Road to SR 9A.
Since 2000, interchanges have been studied at the Baymeadows Road and Atlantic Boulevard intersections, the Beach Boulevard Interchange was reconstructed as a modern Single Point Urban Diamond, a new interchange was constructed at Tredinick Parkway and frontage roads were provided between Tredinick Parkway and Merrill Road. Additionally, new ramps connected Southside Boulevard with the Arlington Expressway and Southside Boulevard was widened from 4 to 6 lanes south of Butler Boulevard. The improvements that have occurred during the past 40 years have made Southside Boulevard a significant link in the highway system by providing mobility for people and goods in one of the most dynamic mixed use areas of northeast Florida.
Existing Characteristics
Southside Boulevard’s operational characteristics, like other highways, is graded on a scale called Level of Service, which is similar to how students are graded in school with “A” being very good, and “F” being poor, as follows:
• Level “A” consists of free flow, few restrictions, not many vehicles, and drivers are very relaxed
• Level “B” consists of relatively free flow, traffic is still light, maneuvers are becoming slightly
restrictive, but the driver remains fairly relaxed
• Level “C” consists of increasing traffic but flowing well, changing lanes is more difficult, and
some drivers tend to be uncomfortable
• Level “D” consists reduced speeds, restricted freedom to maneuver, and much lower levels of
comfort for all drivers
• Level “E” consists of irregular flow , some slow-downs and even delays, very few chances to
maneuver, and poor comfort levels for drivers
• Level “F” consists of total congestion with cars following one another with little opportunity
to maneuver, traffic jams are common and both the driver and passengers are becoming
frustrated
The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization has adopted Level of Service “D” as the
minimum acceptable Level of Service for this region.
Existing Transit
Numerous bus routes travel either within the corridor or across it. There are four main routes which travel along Southside Boulevard for varying distances: the S1, SS6, B7, and L7.
• The S1 extends along Southside Boulevard from the Avenues Mall to Centurion Parkway and then continues outside of the corridor through Deerwood Park and along Gate Parkway. It re-enters Southside Boulevard again from Touchton Road extending to Atlantic Boulevard and finally continues west across the Arlington Expressway to the Rosa Parks Transit Station Downtown. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 75-minute peak and off-peak headway between buses on weekdays.
• The SS6 begins outside of the corridor at the University of North Florida and travels through the St. Johns Town Center and along Gate Parkway. It enters Southside Boulevard at Touchton Road and extends to Beach Boulevard. It then continues off Southside Boulevard to the west between Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 35-minute peak and off -peak headway between buses on weekdays.
• The B7 briefly travels along Southside Boulevard from Baymeadows Road to Old Baymeadows Road. The majority of the route is concentrated to the west on Baymeadows Road and to the north on San Jose Boulevard. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 90-minute peak and off-peak headway between buses on weekdays.
• The L7 briefly travels along Southside Boulevard from Philips Highway to Deercreek Club Road as circulation around the Avenues Mall. The route continues north on Philips Highway through Downtown stopping at the Rosa Parks Transit Station and continuing north to the Gateway Transit Hub at Golfair Boulevard and then north to Soutel Drive. Service operates seven days a week with an approximate 30-minute peak headway and a 60-minute off -peak headway between buses on weekdays.
Many other bus routes cross Southside Boulevard or tie into one of the main routes along it: the express WS91 along Philips Highway, SS8 along Hogan Road, K2 along Beach Boulevard, and express X2 along Beach Boulevard. The Mandarin Community Shuttle and Sunshine Bus connections provide service to the Avenues Mall via Philips Highway on the southern end of the corridor. Additionally, the Regency Square Mall Transit Hub provides a primary stop for the AR6, AR7, CT4, R5, U2, and the Arlington Community Shuttle on the northern end of the corridor.
Southside Boulevard Right-of-way width
Number of travel lanes on Southside Boulevard.
Existing (top) and Future (bottom) Land Use Diagrams
Existing bus stops, sidewalks, and frontage road diagram (top) and existing pedestrian crosswalks (bottom).
Traffic signals and crash locations
Character Segments
The result of the physical, spatial and land use characteristics analysis was critical to establishing the framework of the Vision Plan, primarily with the recognition that the Corridor is composed of four character segments largely defined by right-of-way width and adjacent land uses-- the South, Central South, Central North and North. Each segment possesses range of common characteristics and urban design issues or challenges. Further, because the
corridor is approximately 10 miles in length, the segmental on of the corridor in this manner helped focus discussion and analysis and provides an effective means of identifying potential improvements.
Vision: South Segment
The South Segment extends from Philips Highway on the south to Deerwood Park Boulevard on the north. The primary existing character of this segment is defined by its 300 foot right-of-way, limited frontage roads, and a dynamic mix of land uses that includes Avenues Mall; neighborhood commercial areas surrounding the intersections of Baymeadows and Old Baymeadows Roads; the Florida State College and well-established multi-family residential neighborhoods. The image below provides an example of potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities and landscaping.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Sketch of Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept at Baymeadows Road.
Vision: Central South Segment
The Central South Segment extends from Deerwood Park Boulevard on the south to Touchton Road on the north. This segment is characterized by a right-of-way ranging from 250 to 280 feet, the absence of frontage roads, the interchange with J Turner Butler Boulevard, and primarily commercial land uses such as the major office complexes and corporate headquarters accessed via Gate Parkway. Newer mixed-use development such as Tapestry Park and that along Deerwood Lake Parkway further define this segment and the corridor’s commercial heart and activity center. The image below provides an example of potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities and landscaping.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept at Southside and Butler Boulevard interchange.
Vision: Central North Segment
The Central North Segment extends from Touchton Road on the south to Beach Boulevard on the north and is characterized by smaller commercial uses situated on shallow lots. Given the depth and orientation of these commercial lots, combined with the lack of a frontage road on the east, this segment of the corridor is primarily characterized by numerous vehicular access points (driveways and curb cuts) and a relatively cluttered commercial appearance. The image below provides an example of potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities and landscaping.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept at Beach Boulevard interchange.
Vision: North Segment
The North Segment extends from Beach Boulevard on the south to the Arlington Expressway on the north. Aside from the commercial node of Atlantic Boulevard and Arlington Expressway, this segment traverses primarily low-density residential neighborhoods that directly abut the Boulevard with minimal buffering elements. Furthermore, the North Segment is the only segment in the Corridor with a continuous system of frontage roads, resulting in a roadway section that resembles a true boulevard. The image below illustrates the community’s preference for potential improvements that include an additional travel lane, multi-modal facilities, landscaping and an earthen berm to buffer the Boulevard from adjacent residences.
Multi-Modal Improvements
Transit Oriented Development/Redevelopment Concept near Regency Square Mall.
Other considerations and improvements.
To view full document: https://www.jtafla.com/pdf/SouthsideVisioning/SouthsideBlvdCorridorVisioningPlan-FINAL12302013.pdf