Jacksonville City Council Approves Phase 2 of Old Middleburg Road Project

The Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee of the City of Jacksonville convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Better Jacksonville Plan, particularly focusing on the completion of Phase 2 of Old Middleburg Road.

During the meeting, Council Member Johnson expressed gratitude to Chris Garrett from the Office of General Counsel and Nina Sickler from Public Works for their efforts in advancing this long-standing project. Johnson highlighted that the initiative has been in progress since the inception of the Better Jacksonville Plan and emphasized the importance of completing the road to fulfill commitments made to citizens back in 1999.

The discussion included details about the phases of the project, with Phase 1 nearing completion and Phase 2 set to connect Old Middleburg Road from Parman to Argyle Forest Boulevard. Council Member Omari sought clarification on the specifics of the road's layout and the easement purchases necessary for the project's advancement.

A key point raised was the legislative change that increased the cap for easement purchases from $50,000 to $250,000, streamlining the process and allowing for quicker acquisitions. This adjustment is expected to facilitate the timely completion of the project, with an anticipated finish date by 2027.

The committee also addressed the financial aspects of the project, confirming that the $30 million bill discussed is not an additional expense but rather a reallocation of already budgeted funds within the overall project accounts.

As the meeting concluded, the committee moved forward with the necessary votes to support the project, marking a significant step in enhancing Jacksonville's transportation infrastructure.