Jacksonville traffic alert: Major road closures on Wednesday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Drivers in downtown Jacksonville should prepare for significant traffic disruptions on Wednesday, November 11, as the city hosts its annual Veterans Day Parade, with several major roads and bridge approaches scheduled to close hours before the event begins.

The parade will begin at 11:01 a.m. Wednesday, but traffic restrictions will start as early as 7 a.m., affecting downtown streets, access to the Main Street Bridge and connections near the Acosta Bridge.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will oversee traffic control, including complete road closures and temporary rolling restrictions along the parade route.

Where Will the Parade Take Place?

The 2026 Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade will cover approximately 1.32 miles through downtown.

The procession will begin on Water Street in front of the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, turn onto Hogan Street, continue east along Bay Street and then turn onto A. Philip Randolph Boulevard before finishing near VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

The parade will feature military leaders, veterans, active-duty service members, Junior ROTC groups, marching bands and decorated floats.

Mayor Donna Deegan and Vietnam veteran Dr. John F. Lovejoy, the honorary grand marshal, are expected to participate.

Road Closures Beginning at 7 A.M.

The following streets will close early Wednesday morning:

• Park Street, from Stonewall Street to Bay Street.
• Lee Street, from Bay Street to Water Street.
• Water Street, from Park Street to Hogan Street.

Major Road Closures Beginning at 10 A.M.

Additional closures will affect several major downtown routes:

• Main Street, southbound from Bay Street to the Main Street Bridge.
• Main Street, northbound from Riverplace Boulevard to the Main Street Bridge.
• Riverside Avenue, from the Acosta Bridge on-ramp to Water Street.
• Acosta Bridge off-ramp to Water Street.
• Newnan Street, from Forsyth Street to Independent Drive.
• Forsyth Street, from the Liberty Street on-ramp to Gator Bowl Boulevard.
• Monroe Street, from the Washington Street on-ramp to Gator Bowl Boulevard.
• Marsh Street at Bay Street.
• Lafayette Street at Bay Street.
• A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, from Gator Bowl Boulevard to Ashley Street.
• Gator Bowl Boulevard, from Georgia Street to A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.

Temporary rolling closures will also affect several intersections along Bay Street and surrounding downtown roads as the parade moves through the area.

Parking Restrictions Begin Tuesday

Drivers should also pay attention to parking restrictions beginning Tuesday, November 10.

The city will restrict street parking along portions of Water Street, Hogan Street, Bay Street and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.

Motorists who normally park downtown should check posted restrictions before leaving their vehicles.

Is the Parade Free?

Yes. The Veterans Day Parade is free and open to the public.

Spectators can watch from designated public areas along the downtown route, particularly Bay Street between Hogan Street and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.

One central viewing location is Ford on Bay, near South Liberty Street and East Bay Street.

Viewing areas will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Drivers Should Know

City officials recommend allowing additional travel time, planning alternate routes and avoiding unnecessary travel through downtown during the parade.

Road reopening times may change depending on parade operations and public safety conditions.

The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine, although severe weather could result in changes.

Residents and visitors can find official updates through the City of Jacksonville’s Veterans Day Parade website.