JTA, city considers $32M redesign of University Boulevard to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety

Jacksonville’s University Boulevard has long had a reputation as one of the city’s most dangerous roads for people on foot and on bikes. Now, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and the City of Jacksonville are asking residents to help shape a redesign that could change that.JTA and city officials held a public workshop Wednesday night to gather input on five redesign concepts for the stretch of University Boulevard between the Arlington Expressway and the Merrill Road roundabout.What’s wrong with University Boulevard nowThe problems shift from block to block. Sidewalks narrow or disappear. Crossings are too far from where people actually need them — or don’t exist at all. And several lanes of fast-moving traffic separate homes, bus stops and businesses.“You have a lot of traffic and speeding down the road,” said Melvin D. Williams, owner of Smoke City BBQ on University Boulevard. “I think we need more of a police presence.”Four redesign options on the tableThe four concepts rang