IKEA breaks ground in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — IKEA officials broke ground Thursday for a new store in Jacksonville.

The 290,000-square-foot store is expected to open in the fall of 2017. It will be located near Interstate 295 and Gate Parkway.

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Councilman Danny Becton attended the event.

IKEA officials said it plans to hire 250 workers and 500 construction workers.

IKEA said it expects the Jacksonville location to attract customers from all over Florida and Georgia.

Action News Jax asked the Public Affairs managerJoesph Roth how the mega-retailer plans to handle traffic.

Joseph Roth said a new traffic light will be added on Gate Parkway and he believes the 295 express lane project will help alleviate traffic.

“We are confident much of the situation will be addressed prior to the store opening,” Roth said.

IKEA said jobs will be posted by the Spring.

Cox Media Group