Drivers who rely on the stretch of Interstate 95 that crosses Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in Jacksonville are about to get some late-night headaches. The bridge is slated for overnight demolition next week, with crews taking it down in stages during the small hours to keep daytime traffic moving as much as possible. Even so, expect ramp and lane closures, posted detours and a generally rough commute for anyone out on the road after dark. Officials say the work is one more step in a larger overhaul of the MLK interchange.
Nightly shutdowns are planned from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., starting Saturday and running through June 5, according to Action News Jax. The outlet reports those overnight windows will give crews time to remove bridge spans and clear room for ramp work, with officials urging anyone who cannot avoid the area to pad their travel time.
Project scope and timeline
The Florida Department of Transportation says the demolition is part of a $7.9 million interchange improvement contract led by Webber, LLC, with completion anticipated in early 2027. In its advisories, the Florida Department of Transportation notes the schedule could shift if weather moves in, and stresses that putting heavy work at night is meant to soften the blow for daytime commuters.
Detours and ramp closures
Transportation officials have lined up specific detours to keep traffic flowing, at least on paper. The on-ramp from eastbound MLK to southbound I-95 will shut down during the overnight work, with drivers instead routed along Boulevard Street to the westbound MLK on-ramp. At the same time, the outside lane of I-95 northbound and exit ramp 354B are set to close, with traffic detoured using Golfair Boulevard, according to the I-95 Exit Guide. Signs will mark the temporary routes while crews dismantle the bridge spans overhead.
What drivers should do
FDOT is urging drivers to steer clear of the area during overnight hours if at all possible, and to stick to posted detours and build in extra time when travel cannot be avoided. For real-time updates or potential schedule changes, the Florida Department of Transportation points drivers to its Northeast Florida channels and local traffic alerts. Anyone who has to use this stretch of I-95 is encouraged to lock in an alternate route before starting the car…