The Florida Department of Transportation announced Monday that the Interstate 295 Express Lanes from I-95 to the Buckman Bridge are scheduled to open this Saturday, May 18.
“With that in mind, we have decided to use ‘time of day’ tolling for the new I-295 Express Lanes in Jacksonville," said FDOT Secretary Kevin Thibault. "This means tolls will be charged only during peak travel times. Non-peak travel times, express lane use will be free.”
Depending on what time you take I-295, your commute could be relatively easy.
That’s how Logan Parsons of Orange Park feels about his trips.
“My commute, I usually head over there [to Jacksonville] around 3 p.m.," Parsons said. "It’s not too bad. Coming back at 4 p.m., though -- heavily crowded.”
The aim of the Express Lanes is to give travelers room to spread out.
First Coast News traffic reporter Katie Jeffries knows the traffic has caused problems for years.
“Before we had this, back in 2013 or 2014 when they started this project, it would lock up in that area, people were all leaving Mandarin at the same time," she said. "People are leaving Orange Park trying to get to 95, it would back up from Old St. Augustine Road all the way across the [Buckman] bridge."
So how do you use the lanes?
The westbound express lanes have two entrances. One comes immediately after I-95, another entrance can be found before the exit to Old St. Augustine Road. The lanes take you to the Buckman Bridge.
Eastbound express lanes have one way in after the Buckman and one way out before I-95.
You cannot exit to roads like San Jose Boulevard or Old St. Augustine Road if you’re in the express lanes.
There is one toll gantry in each direction—which will charge you a minimum of 50 cents, or more when express lane traffic increases in peak hours.
There are still three free lanes of I-295 to take.
The Express Lanes could help commuters like Parsons get out of a jam.
“I’m in favor for those who would utilize them the most, they would be pretty useful,” Parsons said.
Peak travel times are from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. During these hours, there will be a set minimum toll price of 50 cents that may be adjusted based on the level of congestion in the Express Lanes.
To travel in the Express Lanes, drivers must have an active SunPass or other interoperable transponders. Cash or TOLL-BY-PLATE is not accepted in the Express Lanes and only two-axle vehicles are permitted.
Anyone caught trying to use the Express Lanes without a pass could face a minimum $20 fine.
There are two sets of Express Lanes that will open on I-295: from Interstate 95 to the Buckman Bridge and from State Road 9B to Butler Boulevard.