STV Highlights Broward River Bridge Replacement Project in Jacksonville

STV showcased its role in designing the replacement of the aging U.S. 17 (North Main Street) bridges over the Broward River in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of a $14 million Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) infrastructure project aimed at improving safety, mobility, and resilience.

Key Highlights

• STV designed a single three-span bridge to replace two aging, structurally deficient bridges over the Broward River.
• The new bridge includes four travel lanes, a concrete median barrier, a sidewalk, and a dedicated bicycle lane, improving safety and multimodal access.
• The project enhances travel for nearly 20,000 motorists daily while reducing long-term maintenance through a consolidated bridge design.
• Engineers incorporated flood resilience and coastal protection measures to withstand storm surge and minimize impacts on sensitive wetlands.
• Careful coordination with CSX Transportation, utility providers, and FDOT allowed the project to avoid major utility relocations and minimize disruptions.
• A phased construction strategy kept at least one lane open in each direction throughout construction, eliminating the need for a temporary detour bridge and reducing environmental impacts.

Modernizing a Critical Transportation Corridor

The original twin bridges, located over a tidal salt marsh in north Jacksonville, had become outdated and lacked shoulders and pedestrian infrastructure. STV's redesign delivers a modern structure that improves safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians while supporting growing traffic demands.

Environmental and Engineering Solutions

Given the project's location within a coastal floodplain and sensitive wetland environment, STV optimized bridge elevation and alignment to improve resilience against flooding while limiting encroachment into surrounding marshlands. The project also incorporated environmental monitoring and wetland protection measures during construction.

Managing Complex Site Constraints

The design accounted for nearby CSX rail infrastructure, high-voltage transmission lines, and an underground industrial pipeline. By adjusting the bridge alignment and coordinating closely with stakeholders, STV minimized utility conflicts and avoided costly relocations.

Long-Term Community Benefits

The completed bridge is expected to improve regional connectivity, enhance multimodal transportation options, increase resilience during severe weather events, and reduce future maintenance requirements while supporting Jacksonville's continued growth.

Source: STV.