SR 9B Phase III is a vital transportation link for the rapidly growing Northwest St. Johns County region of Florida. This final segment extends the SR 9B freeway system southward and provides improved access to Interstates 95 and 295 in Jacksonville, as well as connecting the rapidly expanding residential and commercial development in Duval and St. Johns Counties.
The final 2.5 miles limited access highway project features include: nine bridge structures, four pairs of overpass bridges, prefabricated pedestrian bridge, full intelligent traffic system (ITS), and lighting. The design-build team worked closely with FDOT and all project stakeholders to ensure a seamless from the previous SR 9B Phase II project, as well as working on concurrent improvement projects to fully integrate the entire corridor with adjacent projects.
Design-Build Fuels Innovation
Several design innovations were developed early in the project. In a true teaming approach, the team developed an alternative technical concept to realign the ramps at the SR 9B and West Cummer Parkway interchange, resulting in shortened bridge lengths and cost savings of more than $2 million. Other innovations included resilient wall bridge abutments, dry utility lines and stormwater treatment design and construction which will accommodate future needs with minimal disruption. The project’s pedestrian bridge approaches exceeded requirements by lengthening them to create an easier pathway for pedestrians and bicyclist to travers while reducing environmental impacts. Spread footings greatly decreased construction time and top down construction at Durbin Creek greatly reduced environmental impacts.
From day one the projects opening had a positive direct impact on the surrounding community and helped alleviate traffic congestion for thousands of motorists traveling between Duval and St. Johns counties every single day.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | Florida Department of Transportation |
| Design-Build Firm: | Superior Construction |
| General Contractor: | Superior Construction |
| Engineer: | Arcadis US, Inc. |
| Project Manager: | Superior Construction |
| Project Cost: | $79,218,521.00 |
| Construction Duration: | 38 Months |
Photo Credit: Superior Construction