Jacksonville, Florida, January 14, 2026
The Jacksonville City Council has unanimously voted to seek national historic designation for the Main Street Bridge, known as the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge. This initiative encourages collaboration with preservation professionals to prepare a nomination, honoring the bridge’s historical significance and ensuring its preservation for future generations. Opened in 1941, the bridge has undergone several renovations and remains a vital icon in Jacksonville’s skyline.
Jacksonville City Council Seeks National Historic Designation for Main Street Bridge
Jacksonville, Florida – On January 13, 2026, the Jacksonville City Council unanimously voted 18-0 to request the inclusion of the Main Street Bridge, officially known as the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, on the National Register of Historic Places. Council member Ju’Coby Pittman was absent during the vote. This resolution encourages the city’s Planning Department, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission, and the Department of Public Works to collaborate with the State Historic Preservation Office, the Florida Department of Transportation, and preservation professionals to prepare a nomination for the bridge’s national recognition.
Bridge’s Historical Significance
Opened in July 1941, the Main Street Bridge is a steel vertical lift bridge spanning the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. It was the second bridge constructed across the river and remains one of the most recognizable features of the city’s skyline. The bridge was named after John T. Alsop Jr., who served as mayor of Jacksonville from 1923 to 1937 and again from 1941 to 1945.
Criteria for National Register Inclusion
To qualify for the National Register, a structure must be at least 50 years old and appear largely the same as it did in the past. Additionally, it should be associated with significant historical events or individuals, embody architectural characteristics of a specific period or method of construction, or yield important historic information.
Implications for Future Renovations
Designating the Main Street Bridge as a historic landmark would not impose restrictions on upcoming renovations. The city council’s resolution specifically states that the move would not put restrictions on upcoming renovations to one of downtown’s prominent icons.
Background Context
The Main Street Bridge has undergone several renovations over the years to maintain its structural integrity and functionality. In 2014, the bridge underwent an $11 million renovation to upgrade metal barriers and patch sidewalks. Despite these efforts, the Florida Department of Transportation has labeled the bridge as “obsolete,” indicating that its design no longer meets current standards, though it remains functional.
By seeking national historic designation, Jacksonville aims to honor the bridge’s historical significance while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Main Street Bridge?
The Main Street Bridge, officially known as the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, is a steel vertical lift bridge spanning the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Opened in July 1941, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Why is the Jacksonville City Council seeking national historic designation for the Main Street Bridge?
The City Council voted unanimously to request the inclusion of the Main Street Bridge on the National Register of Historic Places to honor its historical significance and ensure its preservation for future generations.
Will the national historic designation affect future renovations of the Main Street Bridge?
No, the designation will not impose restrictions on upcoming renovations. The City Council’s resolution specifically states that the move would not put restrictions on upcoming renovations to one of downtown’s prominent icons.
What criteria must a structure meet to be included on the National Register of Historic Places?
To qualify, a structure must be at least 50 years old and appear largely the same as it did in the past. Additionally, it should be associated with significant historical events or individuals, embody architectural characteristics of a specific period or method of construction, or yield important historic information.
Has the Main Street Bridge undergone any renovations in the past?
Yes, in 2014, the bridge underwent an $11 million renovation to upgrade metal barriers and patch sidewalks. Despite these efforts, the Florida Department of Transportation has labeled the bridge as “obsolete,” indicating that its design no longer meets current standards, though it remains functional.
Key Features of the Main Street Bridge
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Name | John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge |
| Location | Spans the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Florida |
| Opening Date | July 1941 |
| Design | Steel vertical lift bridge |
| Historical Significance | Named after John T. Alsop Jr., former mayor of Jacksonville |
| Recent Renovations | Underwent an $11 million renovation in 2014 to upgrade metal barriers and patch sidewalks |
| Current Status | Designated as “obsolete” by the Florida Department of Transportation, though remains functional |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
