News Summary
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced lane closures on the Shands Bridge beginning Wednesday for essential maintenance. The bridge is expected to reopen by Thursday morning, but drivers are advised to expect delays and consider alternative routes. As part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety, FDOT conducts regular inspections of Jacksonville’s nearly 800 bridges, with some identified as needing rehabilitation due to aging infrastructure.
Jacksonville – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that lane closures on the Shands Bridge will begin at noon on Wednesday, as part of essential maintenance activities. The bridge is expected to reopen by Thursday morning, although drivers are encouraged to anticipate delays and consider alternative routes during this time.
As the lane closures commence, FDOT officials advise motorists to plan ahead for potential traffic disruptions. The maintenance work is crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of the bridge, which serves as a vital connection for residents of Clay and St. Johns Counties. The bridge, along with many others in the region, undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to adhere to state safety regulations.
Essential Inspections and Maintenance
FDOT mandates that inspections of bridges are conducted every two years to maintain safety standards and ensure structural integrity. Engineers perform thorough assessments, often requiring them to get as close as possible to the bridges to evaluate their conditions accurately. The findings from these inspections are compiled into a comprehensive quarterly bridge report, which spans 231 pages and offers ratings and information on each bridge based on usage, inspection history, and current condition.
Current Status of Jacksonville Bridges
In Jacksonville, often referred to as the “City of Bridges,” there are nearly 800 bridges across Duval County. Among these, 134 bridges are classified as “functionally obsolete,” meaning they have outdated designs and require rehabilitation rather than being unsafe for public use. The Matthews Bridge, for instance, carries a low sufficiency score of 28, but that rating does not indicate imminent danger.
However, it’s worth noting that 13 bridges in the area are marked as “structurally deficient,” which signifies some level of deterioration that necessitates repairs to maintain functionality. These lower-rated bridges are prioritized for rehabilitation projects, including necessary protective painting and component replacement.
Special Attention to Aging Infrastructure
The Main Street Bridge, constructed in the 1940s, frequently receives low scores on inspections. Its unique design and ongoing maintenance needs make it a focal point for FDOT’s rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, FDOT employs constant monitoring for bridges located along significant routes, particularly during operations such as the lifting process of the Main Street Bridge to allow for barge passage.
Bridge Safety Commitment
FDOT officials affirm their unwavering commitment to bridge safety, emphasizing that public safety is paramount for daily commuters. With nearly half of the bridges in Duval County receiving low ratings, the agency continues to invest in necessary repairs and maintain regular inspections to keep structures safe for all road users.
As the Shands Bridge undergoes maintenance, drivers can expect to see similar projects across the region aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of Jacksonville’s infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming maintenance efforts and to plan their travel accordingly to avoid delays.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: Bridge Inspections in Jacksonville
- News4Jax: Acosta Bridge Maintenance
- First Coast News: Buckman Bridge Construction
- Wikipedia: Bridges in Jacksonville
- Google Search: Jacksonville bridge inspections