Why did the Mathews really close? Because "someone let the dogs out".

One week after the Mathews Bridge first closed because of damage done when a ship was towed in to the main span, Jacksonville has a new way to vent about being caught in traffic.

“This was absolutely inspired by my commute on Monday,” says Arlington resident Adam Schaffer.

Schaffer, along with a small team of people at his business 5ivecanons, have launched isthemathewsbridgeclosedtoday.com- a website that displays reasons YOU submit to Schaffer for why the Bridge is really closed.

“Because people be barbeque-ing,” Schaffer says is his favorite so far.

More than 600 comments have been submitted as of Thursday afternoon, and the site itself launched just Tuesday. It’s also generated tens of thousands of page views.

“This was really a website for my team and myself to blow off some steam, and it turned in to this collaboration with the community,” he says.

Schaffer has been frustrated by his daily commute, which he says grew from 20 minutes to sometimes more than an hour.  Knowing that is happening to others in the area, he says he can’t wait to change the big “YES.” currently answering whether the Mathews Bridge is closed today to “NO.”

“I’m sure a lot of people will feel very relieved,” he says.

He says he has been beyond impressed at Jacksonville’s creativity, and is looking forward to getting even more submissions.