The Hart Bridge Expressway transformation reimagined a major downtown gateway by removing aging elevated approach ramps and replacing them with a street-level roadway that reconnects Jacksonville’s urban core to the St. Johns River. For more than 50 years, nearly three-quarters of a mile of elevated highway separated downtown streets from the riverfront and limited access near the city’s sports complex and stadium. STV was selected by the City of Jacksonville to lead the project’s design and engineering, guiding the effort from preliminary design through final engineering and construction support to deliver a solution that improves mobility, safety and access while unlocking valuable waterfront land.
What challenges did STV address?
The project required removing elevated ramps carrying four lanes of high-speed traffic nearly 40 feet above ground, while maintaining access for daily commuters, downtown businesses and major sporting and entertainment events. Engineers also had to resolve complex grading, drainage, utility and structural constraints within a dense urban footprint. Midway through delivery, the project shifted from a design-build to a design-bid-build model under a fast-track schedule.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV led multidisciplinary design and engineering services, including viaduct demolition planning, design of a new at-grade boulevard and intersection, and construction-phase support. The team advanced the project from 30 percent design to full construction documents and developed phased traffic plans to maintain safety and mobility during construction.
How does this project benefit the community?
The transformation restored physical and visual connections between downtown and the riverfront, improved traffic flow and safety, and created new opportunities for parks, development and public space.
Key stats and accolades
- Nearly three-quarters of a mile of elevated roadway removed
- Replacement with street-level roadway and signalized intersection
- Reconnection of Gator Bowl Boulevard and Bay Street
