Starting Monday, Sept. 15, drivers on the First Coast Expressway will begin paying tolls on the newly opened stretch between Blanding Boulevard (State Road 21) and U.S. 17 in Clay County. This tolling milestone is part of a major expansion of the First Coast Expressway, a multi-phase project designed to improve regional mobility. Here’s how far the First Coast Expressway extends in Clay County and how much it will cost you.
How far does the First Coast Expressway extend in the greater Jacksonville area?
The First Coast Expressway, a multi-lane toll road, will extend approximately 46 miles, connecting US Highway 90 in Duval County and I-95 in St. Johns County, when completed. The toll road, which cuts through Clay County, was designed as a bypass around Jacksonville to relieve daily commuter congestion along I-10 and I-95 in Duval County, and to facilitate evacuations during severe-weather events.
Completed in August, the Clay County segment stretches from Blanding Boulevard in Middleburg, south and east through Green Cove Springs, and includes a newly constructed bridge over Black Creek. The remaining Clay County portion, stretching from U.S. 17 to just each of Country Road 209 is expected to be completed in 2026. 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, the Times-Union previously reported.
First Coast Expressway costs: Sun Pass rate vs TOLL-BY-PLATE rate
How to pay tolls in Jacksonville, Florida?
Drivers have several options for paying tolls on the First Coast Expressway:
Commuters should note that First Coast Expressway is a cashless toll facility, said Hampton Ray with the Florida Department of Transportation.
To estimate toll costs before your trip, use the Florida Toll Calculator at SunPass.com.
What is the cheapest way to pay tolls in Florida? Is it worth getting a SunPass in Florida?
SunPass users will pay the lowest rates, with a savings of around 25 percent compared to those billed by plate.
Toll rates, set by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, are posted at FirstCoastExpressway.com. More information about SunPass, including how to sign up, is available at SunPass.com or by calling 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352).
What is TOLL-BY-PLATE?
TOLL-BY-PLATE is a payment option for customers who do not have SunPass or any other Florida-compatible transponder when travelling through electronic toll collection facilities. With TOLL-BY-PLATE, a photo is taken of a vehicle’s license plate when no SunPass or any other Florida-compatible transponder is detected as it travels under the tolling equipment.
A Toll Enforcement Invoice is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle for the toll(s) incurred over a 30-day period, plus a $2.50 administrative fee. TOLL-BY-PLATE cannot be used on Florida Managed Lanes. Drivers must have a SunPass or any other Florida-accepted transponder to travel in a managed lane.
How to get real-time traffic updates and roadwork alerts from the Florida Department of Transportation
(This story has been updated.)
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: First Coast Expressway tolls start: How much it will cost you and what to know
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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