Several major roads in Jacksonville have seen their fair share of construction, as some navigation systems are working to catch up so drivers aren’t confused.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As drivers depend more and more on their phones to get to where they’re going, there are a few spots in Jacksonville that even your phone may not know how to navigate.
The last thing you want when you’re trying to make it to Thanksgiving dinner is a navigation mishap. One such spot: the Interstate 10 West ramp off Interstate 95 South.
Drivers heading south on I-95 to take I-10 out of town, will come to exit 351C. Google Maps specifically tells you to keep right at the fork toward the exit.
After finishing that step, Google Maps gives you about 400 feet to stay to the left, and if you don’t get over quick, you’ll wind up off I-10.
“FDOT, we create maps to share with the map-making partners,” said Florida Department of Transportation Spokesperson Hampton Ray. “We include that in press releases to them when we can, when it’s available.”
Ray says how quickly navigation apps update with the information FDOT provides can vary.
Meanwhile, up at I-95 and the I-295 beltway on the Northside – drivers will find a massive construction zone. When driving west along I-295 and trying to get onto I-95, Google Maps instructs drivers to stay to the left, which takes you right past the new exit ramp to the right that swings under I-295.
The navigation has you drive about two extra miles down to Duval Road, before turning around and coming all the way back to the south ramp.
“We always strive to encourage people to follow pavement markings as well as the overhead signs,” Ray told First Coast News.
While Jacksonville drivers may run into some navigation headaches, one thing they won’t have to worry about on Thanksgiving and Black Friday is construction workers on some of the busiest roads. FDOT has halted all of its projects on Florida state roads through Sunday.
“When you see folks on the road this week, just use caution,” said Ray. “Everyone is trying to get where they want to go, so just use patience.”
First Coast News reached out to Google with questions about both navigation areas.
Here’s Google’s response in reference to the I-10 ramp at Stockton Street:
We’ve updated this route so drivers will no longer need to cross multiple lanes. This should be reflected in the coming days.
Here’s Google’s response to the I-95 South ramp off I-295:
We applied detours by consulting information from local authorities, and are continuing to reference them to update Maps with the latest information.
