Drivers in Northeast Florida are about to get a faster new route.
A new section of the First Coast Expressway (State Road 23) connecting U.S. 17 and Leonard C. Taylor Parkway is expected to open to traffic on Monday, June 29, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
The opening marks another major milestone in one of Northeast Florida’s largest transportation projects, bringing commuters one step closer to a continuous 46-mile toll expressway that will connect parts of Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties.
Northeast Florida drivers should also be prepared for new traffic signals on Leonard C. Taylor Parkway, which will be activated Monday as the new roadway opens.
Here’s what drivers should know and what they can expect.
What is the First Coast Expressway? How long is it?
The First Coast Expressway (SR 23) is a multi-lane, limited-access toll road designed to improve traffic flow across Northeast Florida.
Once complete, the expressway will stretch approximately 46 miles, creating a faster alternative to many of the region’s busiest highways while helping relieve congestion on existing roadways.
Transportation planners say the project is expected to improve daily commutes, support continued residential and commercial growth, and provide a more efficient evacuation route during hurricanes and other emergencies.
What should drivers know before driving on the First Coast Expressway
Do I need a SunPass on the First Coast Expressway? How will tolls work?
The First Coast Expressway is an all-electronic toll road, meaning there are no toll booths.
Instead, drivers will travel beneath overhead electronic toll gantries that automatically collect tolls by:
Is SunPass cheaper than TOLL-BY-PLATE? 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 much will tolls cost on the First Coast Expressway (SR 23) for Duval and Clay Counties
Get real-time traffic updates and roadwork alerts from the Florida Department of Transportation
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: First Coast Expressway SR 23 opens new segment June 29
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
