Florida State Road 116

Infobox road
state=FL
type=SR
route=116
maint=FDOT


length_mi=7.8
length_round=2
length_ref= [http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/statistics/gis/default.htm FDOT GIS data] ]
established=2004
direction_a=West
starting_terminus=
junction= in Jacksonville
direction_b=East
ending_terminus= in Jacksonville
previous_type=SR
previous_route=115
next_type=SR
next_route=117

State Road 116 (SR-116) is a state highway in Florida, which runs almost due east-west entirely within Jacksonville's city limits. It runs from an intersection with SR-9A/SR 113 (Southside Connector)/Merrill Road on the east shore of the St. Johns River to an intersection with SR-101/Mayport Road) just south of Naval Station Mayport. It is sometimes known as Wonderwood Road (the original name of the route from just west of SR-A1A to SR-101/Mayport Rd), Wonderwood Expressway, Wonderwood Boulevard, or even Wonderwood Connector, although it is not signed as any of these names. Those names are more prevalent among locals and are not supported by any designated road signage.

The highway has major intersections with St. Johns Bluff Rd, Monument Rd, Kernan Blvd, and Girvin Rd.

SR-116 is known as Wonderwood Boulevard for much of its run through Jacksonville. Sections of the route are known as Merrill Road, Ft. Caroline Road, and McCormick Road, as SR 116 has replaced the route of these roads.

At its western terminus, there are incorrect signs. One reads "Southside Boulevard" with an arrow. The road this is pointing toward is SR-113 (Southside Connector), NOT SR-115 (Southside Boulevard). However, one can take SR-113 to get to SR-115. The other sign is for what is signed as a turn for SR-9A North. This is actually still SR-113 North. Due to the construction of the SR-9A and SR-113 bridges, there is not a direct connection from SR-116 or Merrill Road to SR-9A.

History

Due to rapid growth in the East Arlington area and near SR-105 (Heckscher Drive), a connection from the I-295/SR-9A corridor to Naval Station Mayport was seen as a great need.

Over the years, traffic problems at the Atlantic Boulevard flyover ramp escalated, at it was the only direct route to the base. The back-ups often took hours to clear, and with the rapid growth in the area, combined with the need for another hurricane evacuation route, a new road was a necessity. The base needed a more direct route from the corridor since it was easy for new people to the area to get lost on previous directions from exits on SR 9A, such as SR-10/Atlantic Boulevard and Monument Road.

The improvements to -- and subsequent de-facto replacement of -- Merrill Road, Ft. Caroline Road, and McCormick Road occurred in stages. However, these roads are still in use today and are designated by signage still displayed on them.

Future

The current construction project, segment three, was started July 5, 2006. It officially runs from Wompi Drive (just east of SR-9A) to Monument Road. It includes widening the already existing road from two to four lanes, dividing it with a landscaped median, and adding bike lanes and sidewalks. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008. [ [http://www.jtaonthemove.com/projects/road_imp/wonderwood3.aspx Jacksonville Transportation Authority - Construction Projects - JTA Road Improvements ] ]

There are guide signs being added to the route, such as "MONUMENT RD NEXT SIGNAL". As of April 14, 2008, these signs have been added to St. Johns Bluff Road, Ft. Caroline Road (east intersection), and Monument Road.

References