Girvin Road Christmas lights: Construction causing issues in Jacksonville neighborhood

MAP: Best places to see Christmas lights around Jacksonville 

For many families, the neighborhoods around Girvin Road have become a Jacksonville Christmas light destination.

But this year, neighbors said road construction is causing major traffic backups when visitors come to scope out the festive displays.

“Everybody likes to come see the lights, and it’s something we’ve gotten used to. I mean, you adjust your life so you try not to go out if you don’t have to between 6 and 10 in the evening,” said neighbor Bob D’Alessio.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority project on Girvin Road started a year and a half ago and is scheduled to continue until spring 2018.

Workers are widening the roadway and adding turns lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks and ponds.

But there is relief ahead: A JTA spokesperson said the contractor plans to suspend construction for the holidays, from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1, so neighbors can have a little less road rage and a little more holiday cheer.

“Everybody says ‘thank you’ and ‘Merry Christmas’ and all of that. So people seem to appreciate it. And we all have fun doing it,” said D’Alessio.

Neighbors might see workers cleaning up job sites over the holidays, but there will be no road or lane closures.

Cox Media Group