I-95, I-295 Jacksonville Interchange Construction Delayed to 2026

The reconstruction of the Interstate 95 and Interstate 295 interchange in Jacksonville, Florida, a $176.8 million project initiated in 2016, has been delayed multiple times and is now expected to be completed by spring 2026, extending the construction period to nearly ten years. Originally scheduled to finish in summer 2020, delays have been caused by weather, supply chain issues, and pandemic-related material shortages, with additional setbacks anticipated due to holidays and work stoppages. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans to assess potential penalties against the contractor, Archer Western, if the project is not completed by the revised deadline to compensate for losses incurred. Local residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged construction and its impact on traffic flow and safety, noting challenges such as frequent lane shifts and inadequate road lighting. The completed interchange aims to improve traffic flow and safety by adding lanes, reducing lane changes, and enhancing connectivity between the highways. Meanwhile, in Indian River County, the expansion of the urban service boundary near the new Oslo Road interchange on I-95 is underway with a one-year moratorium on rezoning to allow for careful planning and controlled growth, addressing community concerns about development pressure.