JAXPORT Board Approved New Blount Island Terminal Entrance
The expansion adds a security plaza to reduce traffic at the Jacksonville shipping terminal.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
The JAXPORT Board of Directors approved construction for a new entrance and security plaza at the Blount Island Marine Terminal. The project connects Dave Rawls Boulevard to Blount Island Boulevard to alleviate traffic congestion at the facility's main gate.
Why it matters
Operators managing logistics through the terminal will see adjusted traffic flow patterns as the 2,073-linear-foot roadway and 1,318-square-foot security building are integrated into daily operations. This infrastructure upgrade addresses current gate bottlenecks for the site, which supports a 47-foot-deep shipping channel.
The project is part of a $250 million annual JAXPORT capital program budget intended to modernize site infrastructure. The board also recognized the James Bennett Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund, which has raised $181,250 from 80 contributors.
The players
JAXPORT
An independent government agency that owns, maintains, and markets the seaport facilities in Jacksonville.
James Bennett
The former chief operating officer who led operations at the port starting in 2022 until his death in 2025.
University of North Florida
A public university that will house and administer the transportation, logistics, and engineering scholarship fund.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
A federal agency that manages port navigation infrastructure and maritime regulatory standards.
The details
The project establishes a new roadway connection between Dave Rawls Boulevard and Blount Island Boulevard to shift heavy transit volume away from the existing main gate. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers survey marker will be installed as a navigation reference at the site. Beyond the physical construction, the terminal roadway has been officially named James Bennett Way to honor the late JAXPORT chief operating officer.
Timeline
James Bennett began his role as chief operating officer in 2022.
James Bennett died on December 8, 2025.
The JAXPORT Board approved the new road and entrance on September 28, 2026.
The first scholarship awards are planned for 2027.
Market Landscape
This project follows the infrastructure patterns established by the Water Resources Development Act's port channel deepening authorizations by upgrading land-side capacity to match the site's 47-foot shipping depth. The board's investment mirrors a wider industry trend of matching terminal throughput capacity with increased vessel draft capabilities.
Logistics operators should prepare for potential traffic re-routing at Blount Island once the 2,073-foot connector road enters the active terminal network. Businesses utilizing the University of North Florida for recruitment should monitor the 2027 launch of the scholarship program for pipeline access to engineering and logistics graduates.
The takeaway
Naming the new entrance James Bennett Way serves as a permanent operational reference to the former COO's tenure. Local businesses and students should note the Florida Department of Transportation's commitment to provide paid internships to recipients of the new endowed scholarship starting in 2027.
What happens next
The first scholarship awards through the James Bennett Memorial Endowed Scholarship are scheduled for 2027.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and port management, see People.
