Florida State Road 109

Infobox road
state=FL
type=SR
route=109
maint=FDOT


length_mi=9.3
length_round=2
length_ref= [http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/statistics/gis/default.htm FDOT GIS data] ]
direction_a=South
starting_terminus= (San Jose Blvd) in Jacksonville
junction= (Phillips Highway) in Jacksonville
(Beach Blvd) in Jacksonville
(Arlington Expressway) in Jacksonville
direction_b=North
ending_terminus=Ft. Caroline Rd in Jacksonville
previous_type=SR
previous_route=105
next_type=SR
next_route=111

State Road 109 is a state road in Jacksonville, Florida. It is a north-south road that starts at SR-13 and ends at Ft. Caroline Road. SR-109 is known as University Boulevard because the route forms the eastern border of Jacksonville University's campus.

Route description

University Boulevard/SR-109's southern terminus is at San Jose Blvd/SR-13, one block from the St. Johns River. It heads due east for over a mile until reaching St. Augustine Rd and turning to the northeast. It then passes over a CSX rail line before meeting Phillips Highway/U.S. 1 and passing under I-95. The highway continues on a more northerly course as it reaches Beach Blvd/U.S. 90 and the Commodore Point Expressway/SR-228 before an intersection with Atlantic Blvd/SR-10, and turns briefly to the west as it splits with Cesery Blvd/SR-109A, crossing the Arlington River. After a major interchange at the Arlington Expressway/SR-115, it continues north past Jacksonville University and Merrill Rd to its northern end at Ft. Caroline Rd.

University Blvd travels through the western part of Jacksonville's Arlington neighborhood. Mostly lined with businesses, it is a major thoroughfare throughout its course.

Cesery Blvd/SR-109A runs nearly the exact same course a few blocks to the east of University, with its northern terminus at Ft. Caroline Rd and its southern limit at SR-109, less than half a mile from its intersection with Atlantic Blvd/SR-10. Although the designation "SR-109" ends at Ft. Caroline Rd, "University Blvd" continues north for more than two miles (3 km) with its northern limit, like its southern, just feet from the St. Johns River.

Projects & Controversies

From 2002 to 2005, the City of Jacksonville fought with neighborhood residents and businesses over two proposed intersection flyover projects included in the "The Better Jacksonville Plan". One proposed project was at SR-109's intersection with Atlantic Blvd/SR-10, while the other was at its intersection with Beach Blvd/US 90. Residents and businesses feared their properties would be consumed due to the space needed for construction, and that the city would cite eminent domain in order to do so. Other residents were concerned that the flyovers would detract from the beauty of the neighborhoods. In 2006, the City of Jacksonville considered alternative solutions to improving traffic congestion at these intersections, including various at-grade improvements: road widening, additional turn lanes, and other related options. Both plans were scrapped in September of 2007 [http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/091007/met_198366386.shtml New Fight over Atlantic-Kernan Overpass] Florida Times-Union/Jacksonville.com Accessed 2 July, 2008.] .

References