by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Buses, trolleys, road improvements, the Skyway and even high-speed rail are under review to help improve Downtown.
The board of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority heard Thursday about initiatives supporting Downtown.
The presentation by Brad Thoburn, JTA strategic planning director, focused on transportation plans that connect people to Downtown, move them within it and generate overall investment.
“It’s an important discussion for JTA to have,” said Thoburn. “We have an essential role in Downtown redevelopment.”
Thoburn said Downtown will serve as the anchor for the Bus Rapid Transit system. The system creates dedicated bus lanes, intersection improvements and signal prioritization for speedier, more convenient service, said Thoburn.
The Downtown segment is in its final design phase with anticipated completion in late 2012 or early 2013. Subsequent connections in the north, southeast, southwest and east have anticipated completion dates through 2016.
Regional commuter rail would draw a larger labor market Downtown, said Thoburn, and infrastructure is in place to potentially work with Florida East Coast Railway and CSX Transportation.
Such projects typically take seven to 13 years, and Thoburn said he believes it can be done by 2021.
High-speed rail could also be a part of the Downtown initiative.
While an offer of federal funding for the Orlando-Tampa high-speed rail project was rejected, Thoburn told the board that JTA is working with Georgia Department of Transportation officials on a possible Atlanta-Jacksonville connection within the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor.
“Florida remains in the high-speed rail discussion either way,” said Thoburn, referring to Gov. Rick Scott’s rejection of federal funds for a line from central to south Florida.
Thoburn also talked about Amtrak passenger service and its possible expansion and restoration as beneficial to Downtown.
Thoburn said the station on Clifford Lane in Northwest Jacksonville has proved inadequate. He said the JTA is working with the Florida Department of Transportation to move the station back Downtown to the Osborn Center, proposed as the site for a Regional Transportation Center, although there will be costs for the track work.
Sore spots among some Downtown redevelopment advocates are the Greyhound bus terminal and the Skyway.
Thoburn said the bus station could become part of the Regional Transportation Center and that the Skyway will play an important role in moving people throughout a revitalized Downtown and across the St. Johns River to connect the Northbank and Southbank of Downtown.
He said the Skyway was “never fully built.”
JTA officials also are working on a connectivity plan regarding the new Duval County Uniifed Courthouse Facility on the western end of Downtown, said Thoburn.
The Skyway and trolley service are included in the plan, which will be delivered to Chief Circuit Judge Donald Moran by May 1.
In line with Downtown development, a streetcar feasibility study has been completed and is an option to connect Downtown with surrounding neighborhoods, he said.
Studies show it as a strong catalyst for economic development, said Thoburn.
“As it (Downtown redevelopment) happens, JTA will ensure mobility,” said Thoburn.
Board member Cleve Warren said the merit of the multifaceted system is getting people to work in this economic environment.
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