The future of transportation is taking shape in Jacksonville, FL, with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) project—a transformative initiative modernizing the Downtown Jacksonville Skyway with a 10-mile autonomous vehicle (AV) system!

This cutting-edge system is poised to create seamless connectivity across downtown Jacksonville, featuring dedicated AV shuttles and enhanced infrastructure. But this project isn’t just about mobility—it’s about addressing past challenges and fostering a stronger, more connected community.

Decades ago, the original Skyway was often referred to as a “railway to nowhere,” dividing the city rather than uniting it. Now, the U2C project is reimagining this infrastructure, converting the outdated railway into an autonomous roadway designed to serve underserved communities and help stitch Jacksonville back together. By leveraging technology to fix this divide, JTA is creating a transit solution that promotes accessibility and sustainability, bringing people closer to a healthier and more engaged community.

Construction Progress: A Major Milestone Achieved

As part of this effort, JTA is converting an underused parking lot on West Bay Street into an AV Operations and Maintenance Center, anchored by a 7,500-square-foot building designed by WGI’s Buildings Division.

WGI is thrilled to share that the project team has recently celebrated a major milestone with the topping-out ceremony for the JTA’s Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC) – This building will serve as the core hub and command-and-control center for the Bay Street Innovation Corridor (BSIC), the U2C project’s first phase.

Scheduled to launch next summer, the BSIC is a critical three-mile segment introducing autonomous shuttles, enhanced street-level improvements, and smart infrastructure to Jacksonville.

WGI’s Role and Project Collaboration

WGI is proud to serve as the lead engineer for the Vision 2 Reality Team, a partnership that includes Balfour Beatty, Superior Construction Company Southeast, and Miller Electric – As part of this collaboration, WGI’s multi-disciplinary team will be providing transportation engineering, architectural, environmental, and geospatial services.

This project also highlights sustainability through electrification and renewable energy. For example, the AIC will support all-electric vehicle operations and maintenance, with plans to incorporate solar power to offset energy demands on the grid.

The U2C initiative is one of Florida’s first Progressive Design-Build transportation procurements, a model that perfectly aligns with WGI’s expertise in alternative delivery.

Environmental and Site Assessment

Having detected petroleum contamination in the soil during pre-construction testing, WGI’s Environmental experts quickly took action by developing a Conceptual Site Model and conducting an expedited assessment to pinpoint the contamination. By doing so, the contamination cleanup was able to take place during the construction phase and crucially prevented any project delays.

This step was vital for project continuity and regulatory compliance and ensured that the site remained safe for ongoing construction.

Looking Forward

The U2C project is set to set a new standard for mobility in downtown Jacksonville.

When fully operational in 2025, the U2C will not only improve travel times and enhance convenience but also reimagine how technology can serve the community. Smart infrastructure features—such as flood monitoring, connected intersections, and intelligent pedestrian signals—will ensure a safer and more efficient urban environment.

Lisa Nisenson, WGI’s VP of New Mobility and Connected Communities, shared:

“The U2C reimagines existing infrastructure, incorporates autonomous technologies, and introduces new vehicle types for convenient, sustainable downtown circulators.”

Additionally, the U2C will bring roadway shuttles into underserved communities, offering a much-needed connection and fostering a sense of unity in the city. By transforming the “railway to nowhere” into an asset for all, this project is a shining example of how infrastructure can adapt to serve its people better.

With each milestone, Jacksonville moves closer to realizing its vision of an autonomous, connected transit system. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this project from groundbreaking to completion!