Segments 4,6,7,8

Over the last several few months, a project team including Groundwork Jacksonville (GWJax), the City of Jacksonville (COJ) and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has been conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for Emerald Trail segments, 4, 6, 7 and 8 to determine the best alignments for the trail. 

These trail segments will connect ten urban core neighborhoods to schools, parks, transportation, health care, businesses and more.

This work has been done with input from neighborhood residents, property owners and other stakeholders through various community meetings, focus groups and neighborhood walks.

You can view the presentation from the November 15, Community Meeting then click on the links below to view the potential trail alignments for each segment. 

VIEW SEGMENT 4 ALIGNMENTS

VIEW SEGMENT 6 ALIGNMENTS

VIEW SEGMENT 7 ALIGNMENTS

VIEW SEGMENT 8 ALIGNMENTS

What is the PD&E Study?

1. What are the steps involved in a PD&E Study?
   
   • Data collection
   • Development and analysis of alternatives
   • Public involvement
   • Environmental impact assessment
   • Selection of a preferred alternative(s)
2. How can the public participate?
   Public meetings and events are held to gather input and feedback from the community.
   
3. What happens after the PD&E Study?
   The project moves to the design phase, followed by right-of-way acquisition and construction.
4. What are the potential benefits of a PD&E study?
   • Improved Infrastructure:
     Leads to better transportation systems, enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
   • Economic Growth:
     Can stimulate local economies by improving access to businesses and creating jobs during construction.
   • Safety Enhancements:
     Addresses safety concerns in transportation projects.
5. Why is public involvement important for a PD&E Study?
   Community input is crucial to minimize negative impacts and ensure the project aligns with local needs and values.

• • • Identify Community Concerns:
      Public feedback helps planners understand the priorities, concerns, and needs of the community.
    • Improve Decision-Making:
      Public input can reveal valuable insights or overlooked issues, guiding the selection of the most suitable alternatives for the project.
    • Minimize Impacts:
      Engaging the public allows planners to identify potential social, environmental, or economic impacts so efforts can be made to mitigate those impacts in the project design phase.
    • Foster Trust and Transparency:
      Active public participation builds trust and creates a sense of shared responsibility and accomplishment.
    • Promote Compliance with Regulations:
      Federal and state guidelines often require public involvement as part of the environmental review process, making it a critical component.

8. 8. How am I able to participate in the PD&E process?
      Throughout 2025, GWJax, the JTA, the COJ and PD&E contractor Volkert, met with neighborhood residents, property owners and other stakeholders at various community meetings, focus groups and neighborhood walks. Input received has informed the current proposed alignments.