Hi folks, I'm driving back north of Jacksonville, FL soon. A few days ago I drove from North of Jacksonville, FL to St. Augustine FL, on I-95 in a newly purchased class A 35 ft RV that I'm still getting to know. It was 4:15pm and there was construction, very narrow lanes, sharp curves, bridges and every other vehicle was a semi truck. Hardly the experience someone wants driving their RV for the first time! Ok, it was nerve-wracking hell! :) So I have to drive North tomorrow and am hoping to find a better route around the I-95 Jacksonville mess. Looking at Google maps, it looks like I can take I95 North from St. Augustine, to 295 and loop around the heavy traffic, construction, narrow lanes, etc and then get back on I-95 just North of Jacksonville. Is this my best option? Does anyone know of a slightly more peaceful route? Thank you!

Take I 295 east follow the signs to the beaches. That is a a much newer route with wide lanes, smooth pavement, and not near the traffic. You will go over the Dams Point Bridge, so if that is scary for you, then another route would be a better choice.

Darin, You are right on. We live in the area, you are welcome to stop by, but never do any big city between 4p.m. and 7 p.m.. I-295 should be no problem. That is my best advice, PM me if I can be of further assistance. :) Bugs53

Use the east beltway of I-295 going north

I dont remember a lot of construction on I95 last January in the Jacksonville area, is this something new since then?

I just did 295 south from I-10 a few weeks ago. Didn't have any problems other than morning rush hour traffic. I-95 straight through isn't bad during off hours. The only other option is SR 9A (Eastern Beltway) around the east side of the city. Not sure about construction there but any of these options will be bad during heavy traffic times.

I-295 around Jacksonville,Fl, or another suggested route?

14 Replies

JOMO
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
It only adds 10 miles and to me worth every mile to me.
JimFromJersey
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
Back in the 80s/early 90s, I-95 in Jax always seemed to be under construction. First it was the bridge over the St John, then the big swooping turn just south of there past the Baptist Hospital..I made dozens of trips visiting family in Vero Beach and always seemed to hit Jax around noon on the second day. But, by the same token, I finally felt we were in Florida by then, and it felt good, especially during the winter trips.. :) I-295 adds a bunch of miles, but I only took it once or twice. Haven't been down since 2008, so I'm sure things have changed a bit.
JOMO
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
I live in Jacksonville and always use east beltway(I295). I live at the beach and I go to the West side off I10 to see my sister no stress on I295, The Dames Point bridge doesn't bother me.
jimwooster
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
Pull a 37 foot fiver and been thru J Ville many times. Used to be a nightmare, but the last couple years construction is done. Just keep it in the middle lanes and you will be fine. Never used I-295.
dcason
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
If you are new an titchy bit nervous, select non rush hour times, do the 295 or even the beach roads and take life easy. No need to stress yourself out...this should be fun not white knuckle express.

enjoy,
Donna
BillMFl
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
I always use 295 to/from I10. Traffic can be a bit heavy most anytime but it moves well.
darin338
Explorer
Nov 01, 2013
Thanks everyone, so I-295 it is. To answer the other question, yes construction, narrow twisting lanes, etc through Jacksonville. I found myself between two semi trucks with concrete barrier walls each side of them (no shoulder) in the center lane doing 65mph and a bumpy S turn where the lanes had been modified to accommodate the construction and the lanes were uneven, bumper to bumper traffic. All that and it was my first time driving the rig. I'm driving a 35 ft coach built on a P-30 chasis with new airbags just installed and she's a bit unstable in my opinion. Lots of constant attention needed on the wheel to stay center line.
Big_Bruce
Explorer
Nov 01, 2013
My brother just went from north to south thru Jax. on I-95 last Friday with no trouble. He was pulling a 31' travel trailer.
dieharder
Explorer
Nov 01, 2013
Always used the 295 regardless of time of day. Doesn't add much to the drive, adds a lot to the peace of mind.
HappyKayakers
Explorer III
Nov 01, 2013
I just did 295 south from I-10 a few weeks ago. Didn't have any problems other than morning rush hour traffic. I-95 straight through isn't bad during off hours. The only other option is SR 9A (Eastern Beltway) around the east side of the city. Not sure about construction there but any of these options will be bad during heavy traffic times.