First Coast Expressway construction underway in Clay County

First Coast Expressway construction underway in Clay County (Courtesy of the Florida Times-Union) — Clay County residents are probably pretty used to seeing construction underway on the First Coast Expressway, but when will it be done and onto the next phase? The First Coast Expressway is a multi-lane toll road that will cross parts of Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties. The road is meant to reduce commuter congestion and open an evacuation route for emergencies. The Times-Union asked Sara Pleasants, an FDOT spokesperson, a few questions about the project.

How long is the First Coast Expressway?

The total length of the proposed roadway is approximately 46 miles. The FCE will reduce congestion on other major roadways in the region, which is important not only for daily commuters but also in times of storm-related evacuation.

When did the First Coast Expressway construction begin?

Construction on the First Coast Expressway began in 2013, with the first phase of the project between I-10 and State Road 21 (Blanding Boulevard) being completed in 2019.

What phase is the First Coast Expressway project in?

The project is currently in two phases, its second and third, which will be the final one. It consists of two separate projects in Clay County along with the new St. Johns River bridge that will replace the existing Shands Bridge.

The final phase in St. Johns County is also divided into two segments, one of which began construction late last year. The other is expected to begin construction in late 2025.

What roads are currently under construction?

FCE from State Road 21 to north of State Road 16 began construction in early 2019 and is estimated for completion in summer 2025.  From north of State Road 16 to east of County Road 209 began construction in spring 2019 and is estimated for completion in early 2026. 

FCE St. Johns River Bridge began construction in late 2022 and is estimated for completion in 2030.  From east of County Road 16A to east of County Road 2209 began construction in November and is estimated for completion in 2030.

When will the First Coast Expressway open?

Toll collection on the First Coast Expressway began in July 2019. The final phase of the project, which includes a new bridge over the St. Johns River and connection to I-95 in St. Johns County, is expected to be completed in 2031, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting. 

Where will the First Coast Expressway begin and end when it’s completed?

The First Coast Expressway technically begins just north of I-10 at U.S. 90 and will ultimately go through Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties, ending at a new interchange with I-95.

How is this project predicted to improve traffic flow in the area?

The new bridge over the St. Johns River will offer significant improvements over the existing Shands Bridge with two travel lanes in each direction, emergency shoulders, a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists and a 65-foot vertical clearance — compared to the existing 45-foot clearance — to enhance marine commerce in the region, most notably to the Port of Palatka.

The FCE also will provide an alternate evacuation route for the state during hurricanes and other emergencies.

Can I use my SunPass on the First Coast Expressway?

Expressway traffic will pass through electronic toll gantries without stopping. The gantries will contain an electronic system that will either detect the vehicle’s SunPass transponder device or scan the vehicle’s license plate for a toll-by-plate invoice in the mail. 

What will the tolls on this road be like?

Drivers can expect them to be on par with tolls for the completed phase of the FCE. There are five toll gantries on the FCE. More information about current toll rates is available at SunPass Toll Calculator. Toll rates on the FCE vary based on the length of the segment being traveled, but drivers using SunPass or other interoperable transponders receive the lowest rates.

Map Courtesy of Clay County Appraisers Office