Metropolis officers, non-public leaders break floor on Hogan Avenue portion of Emerald Path

-


Metropolis and personal leaders tossed emerald-tinted sand onto a Downtown sidewalk Sept. 25, marking the groundbreaking of the Hogan Avenue Hyperlink part of the Emerald Path.

The Hogan Avenue Hyperlink, scheduled for full completion by early 2027, stretches north on Hogan Avenue from Riverfront Plaza to Union Avenue. A phase of the path closest to the St. Johns River is about for completion by the summer season of 2026.

The Emerald Path, which is below improvement by nonprofit Groundwork Jacksonville, is designed to make Hogan Avenue extra pedestrian-friendly. 

Hogan Avenue shall be narrowed to 1 lane of northbound site visitors together with a two-way bicycle lane.

The groundbreaking marked the start of development of the primary part of the path’s improvement alongside Hogan Avenue. The second part, which can prolong into Springfield to Florida State School at Jacksonville, is awaiting funding.

Chris Burns, vice chair of Groundwork Jacksonville, speaks Sept. 25 on the groundbreaking for the Hogan Avenue Hyperlink part of the Emerald Path.

Picture by Joe Lister

“Generally it was scary, however we acquired to the end line,” Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas mentioned.

“Immediately is a vital milestone in our continued momentum to finish this transformational venture for our metropolis.”

Baker Design Construct led design and development on a staff with transportation engineering agency Peters and Yaffee Inc., mechanical engineering agency Haddad Engineering Inc. and land surveying agency Smith Survey Group. Scape Panorama Structure supplied design tips.

The Emerald Path has opened comparable parts in LaVilla and San Marco. Together with the Hogan Avenue Hyperlink, a portion alongside McCoys Creek close to Lackawanna can also be below development.

The Emerald Path is designed as a 30-mile route connecting 14 neighborhoods to Downtown, the St. Johns River, McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. Alongside the route are 16 colleges, two schools and 21 parks.

The Emerald Path park system in Jacksonville encompasses Downtown and the neighborhoods to the north.

“Vehicles have been dominant for thus lengthy in America,” Ehas mentioned. “This path venture is attempting to stage the taking part in area for different modes of transportation like strolling and biking.”

Federal grant loss slows however doesn’t cease course of

In July, a $147 million grant that had been issued for the Emerald Path below Joe Biden’s presidential administration was voided when President Donald Trump signed the One Huge Lovely Invoice Act. 

On the groundbreaking, Mayor Donna Deegan and Ehas mentioned work wouldn’t cease with out the federal cash. Groundwork Jacksonville could must lean extra on non-public donations whereas the town continues to use for grants.

“None of that is slowing down due to this grant. We’re going to proceed to maneuver ahead,” Deegan mentioned. “We’re working diligently with the federal authorities proper now to determine the right way to put that cash again, whether or not it’s piece by piece or all of sudden. We’re completely dedicated to getting extra federal funding.”

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan speaks a the groundbreaking for the Hogan Avenue Hyperlink part of the Emerald Path on Sept. 25.

Metropolis of Jacksonville

The Hogan Avenue Hyperlink acquired each metropolis and personal funding. VyStar Credit score Union, which owns the VyStar Tower on Laura Avenue, sponsored the Hogan Avenue Hyperlink improvement.

“Our headquarters is simply steps away from this new phase, and we see this as a defining a part of the city core,” VyStar CEO Brian Wolfburg mentioned on the groundbreaking.

“The path is greater than only a path. It’s an emblem of revitalization and of connectivity in our metropolis, our assist is an element of a bigger dedication to downtown Jacksonville.”

A rendering of the Hogan Avenue Hyperlink part of the Emerald Path.

An aerial view of development of the Hogan Avenue Hyperlink part of the Emerald Path on Sept. 25.

Metropolis of Jacksonville

 

Share this article

Recent posts

Popular categories

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent comments