Meskel & Associates Engineering (MAE) served as the Prime Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) consultant for the Emerald Trail Model Mile, a $8.2 million project for the City of Jacksonville. This approximately 1.3-mile segment represents the first completed portion of the City’s planned 30+ mile Emerald Trail network, connecting the Brooklyn and LaVilla neighborhoods to the S-Line Rail Trail and enhancing multimodal connectivity in the urban core.
MAE provided full-service CEI oversight from 2022 through 2026, including construction management, contract administration, and field inspection services. Our team coordinated closely with the City of Jacksonville, contractor, subconsultants, and corridor stakeholders to ensure the project was delivered in accordance with plans, specifications, and quality standards.
Project improvements included construction of a 14-foot-wide multi-use concrete trail, implementation of a roadway diet to support safer multimodal travel, and enhancements to the Park Street Bridge crossing over McCoy’s Creek, along with boardwalk structures, pedestrian walkways, decorative pavement and lighting, and extensive landscaping with native plantings and bioretention areas.
MAE’s responsibilities included review of contractor submittals and shop drawings, processing pay applications and change orders, responding to RFIs, and monitoring project schedule and budget. Field staff performed daily inspection of critical construction activities including maintenance of traffic, erosion and sediment control, earthwork, structural elements, reinforcing steel placement, and concrete operations.
Through proactive coordination and technical oversight, MAE successfully delivered this signature segment of the Emerald Trail, supporting the City’s vision for a connected, accessible, and revitalized downtown Jacksonville.