A late-Tuesday-night crash on Philips Highway turned deadly just north of Reba Avenue, in front of the Walmart Supercenter, drawing a heavy response from Jacksonville police and shutting down traffic in the area.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office worked the scene while investigators spread out along the highway, piecing together what happened. As of late Tuesday, officials had not released how many vehicles were involved or any identities of those killed or injured. Drivers on the Southside were warned to expect delays while first responders cleared the wreckage and documented the scene.
According to News4JAX, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed the call and located the crash just north of Reba Avenue near the Walmart Supercenter. The station reported it had a crew headed to the scene and would update coverage as more information becomes available. The initial bulletin was filed by Erin Seaton late Tuesday.
Multiple recent collisions on Philips Highway
This stretch of Philips Highway, along with the nearby I-295 interchange, has seen several serious crashes in recent weeks. An early-June fatal collision that shut down I-295 east at the Philips Highway interchange snarled the morning commute, and local traffic feeds have documented other lane closures and delays on the Southside, per Action News Jax. The run of serious wrecks has renewed attention on safety along U.S. 1 as it cuts through one of Jacksonville’s busiest commercial corridors.
Planned intersection work at Reba
State transportation planning documents show that median changes and turn-lane work at Philips Highway and Reba/Putnam avenues are under study as part of an FDOT District 2 safety project. City neighborhood planning notes also reference possible intersection upgrades at Reba and Putnam that were discussed in Southeast Citizens Planning Advisory Committee meetings, per the city meeting summary. Officials say that type of work is designed to cut down on conflict points and make things safer for both pedestrians and drivers turning on and off the highway.
Where to get updates
News4JAX and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are the main outlets for updates on this developing situation. Drivers can monitor official statements via News4JAX and the JSO website, and check real-time road conditions through Florida’s 511 traveler information system at FL511 while authorities continue their work on Philips Highway.
