STV recently joined City of Jacksonville officials and project partners to celebrate the reopening of the McCoys Creek Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge – a linchpin project reconnecting flood mitigation, public access and waterfront placemaking as part of the city’s broader McCoy’s Creek restoration efforts. The new structure restores a critical segment of the Northbank Riverwalk, reestablishing pedestrian access along one of Jacksonville’s most active waterfront corridors.
STV provided design and engineering services for the bridge reconstruction program, which replaced an obsolete four-span segment with a new three-span structure designed to accommodate the creek’s realigned outfall into the St. Johns River. As part of a larger initiative to widen and reconnect McCoys Creek, the bridge is essential to maintaining safe, continuous access along the riverfront while supporting the city’s long-term flood mitigation strategy.
STV’s scope included final design plans, specifications and bid documents, as well as structural engineering, permitting support and coordination with geotechnical consultants on deep foundation elements, using micropiles to simplify constructability and minimize vibration and settlement. This approach helped reduce construction impacts along an active urban waterfront while maintaining pedestrian continuity through delivery. The team also supported the project through the bidding and construction phases, helping bring the new crossing from concept to completion.
The result is a structure that aligns with the city’s evolving waterfront, spanning a widened waterway while preserving uninterrupted pedestrian access. It also supports Jacksonville’s long-term vision for the Riverwalk and the expanding Emerald Trail network, strengthening connections between destinations such as Riverside Arts Market and the downtown core and creating a more seamless, walkable experience along the river’s edge.
“Our team focused on designing a structure that accommodates the creek’s realignment, preserves a seamless pedestrian connection and meets ADA accessibility requirements,” said Bhushan Godbole, PE, chief structures engineer at STV. “It’s rewarding to see that work now in place, restoring access along the Riverwalk and contributing to the city’s broader investment in its waterfront. Bridges hold a unique place in a community, and this one enhances the experience of being along the river – creating new vantage points and a renewed sense of connection.”
Beyond its structural role, the bridge reflects Jacksonville’s growing emphasis on placemaking – where infrastructure contributes to the identity of the spaces it serves. The pedestrian crossing features murals by local artist David Nackashi, whose work appears throughout the city. A Jacksonville native, Nackashi has contributed to a wide range of public art installations, from large-scale bridge murals to site-specific works that reference local history and community life.
As Jacksonville continues to invest in resilient infrastructure and enhanced public spaces, the McCoys Creek Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge demonstrates how thoughtful design can support both function and experience. Through its role in this project, STV helped deliver a solution that not only restores connectivity but also changes how people access, experience and move along the riverfront today, enhancing the character and accessibility of the city’s evolving waterfront.
