Mandarin Road Sidewalk Project - Phase II
Creating a safer neighborhood for all
Project Overview
This project includes building a new sidewalk along Mandarin Road from Red Cypress Drive to the Walter Jones Historical Park. The proposed sidewalk will feature a grass buffer to separate the sidewalk from the edge of the road.
Based on existing conditions, the early design plans to construct the path on the east side of the road from Red Cypress Drive to Rebecca's Cove Court. There, a crossing will be installed to connect the new sidewalk to the west side of the road to Walter Jones Historical Park.
This project was requested by the community in a 2016 city survey and the first phase was constructed in 2017.
Community Benefits
The proposed sidewalk will benefit the Mandarin community by:
Enhancing public safety
Improving mobility and accessibility
Increasing connectivity from Phase I of the project
Project Timeline
Spring 2025: Design
30% design has been completed, including:
Initial environmental review in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act requirements
No adverse effects identified on cultural and historic resources
We recognize the importance of the existing tree canopy on Mandarin Road and continue to take steps to minimize impacts to the trees and other community features. An arborist has also been assigned to support this project.
May 2025: Community meeting held with Council Member Michael Boylan to learn about the project and provide input on the initial design
Fall 2025: JTA to procure remaining project design
Looking ahead: The City and the JTA will incorporate feedback from public meetings, enlist additional tree reviews to minimize impacts, finalize designs, secure permits and complete construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
This project was requested by the community in a 2016 survey. It will support public safety and foster connectivity within the Mandarin community.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) show that continuous sidewalks significantly reduce traffic incidences involving pedestrians. These sidewalks are especially important near parks, transit stops and other destinations. This project addresses a known gap in connectivity and supports long-term safety goals.
We recognize the importance of the existing tree canopy. We are committed to minimizing this project’s impact on the canopy and prioritizing preservation while working to improve pedestrian safety.
Throughout the course of this project, we will enlist the expertise of an arborist to evaluate specific trees and roots along the path, and to assist in sidewalk layout options that help to maximize preservation.
Initial environmental review was complete in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act requirements during 30% design. This includes impacts on biodiversity, water resources, air quality, cultural resources and traffic.
The next design phase will analyze drainage patterns to ensure the proposed storm sewer design and grading associated with the new sidewalk will have adequate capacity to capture runoff.
We will evaluate construction materials that best fit the needs of this project during the next design phase. There are a range of considerations, including but not limited to durability, aesthetics and costs as well as any potential environmental, including the tree canopy, impacts.
The JTA coordinated with the Florida State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This coordination helps confirm that proposed work respects and avoids adverse impacts to historically designated corridors such as Mandarin Road.
The JTA received $3.75 million in federal funding and a local match of $750,000 for this project.
The design and construction of the sidewalk project will fully comply with all applicable City of Jacksonville ordinances.
When the code refers to “minimum impact,” the project will minimize harm through design alternatives such as rerouting or root bridging, and coordinate all decisions with city staff, certified arborists and relevant officials. Additionally, should construction require the removal or relocation of a protected tree, before a permit is granted it shall be forwarded to the Department of Public Works Urban Forester for comment on the criteria set forth in s. 656.1206(f) and the District Council Member, unless such tree poses an imminent danger to public health, welfare or safety, and requires immediate removal without delay. In such instances, verbal authorization pursuant to s.656.1205(b)(5) is still required from the Chief, Building Inspection Division.
To learn more, review the May 2025 Presentation in the supporting documents section below.
In compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices, we will implement strict safety protocols to protect pedestrians, workers and motorists throughout the project. Measures include establishing a clearly marked work zone, installing temporary barriers and signage, and requiring onsite teams to wear high-visibility clothing.
We will regularly inspect the project site to identify and promptly address any and all safety hazards.
City Councilman Michael Boylan represents District 6, which includes the Mandarin community. He is working closely with the JTA to gather and utilize community feedback to shape this project, with a long-term goal of creating a safer, better-connected Mandarin neighborhood.
Phase II of the Mandarin Road sidewalk project will connect with the previous phase and current infrastructure improvements around Walter Jones Historic Park.
The JTA will continue to keep residents updated on this webpage, email blasts (provide your information below), via social media and through Councilman Boylan’s community updates.
Project Map
