September 9, 2017 — There are no bridge closures in effect at this time in advance of Hurricane Irma, for any of the major bridges in Jacksonville. Sustained winds of 40 mph- not wind gusts, but sustained winds- are the threshold for any closures.
Ron Tittle, FDOT spokesperson, tells me, “Law Enforcement determines the need to close bridges along our roadways. During high wind conditions they rely on tropical storm wind conditions with sustained speeds above 40 MPH. FDOT’s Regional Transportation Management Center monitor sensors on bridges and cameras on major corridors. They keep law enforcement and the Duval County EOC apprised for their decision making.”
During Hurricane Mathew, the Dames Point Bridge was the only major bridge in Jacksonville to close because of wind. In 1999 during Hurricane Floyd,The Mathews, Hart, Dames Point, Buckman and Intracoastal Bridges closed while the Fuller Warren, Main Street and Acosta remained open.
Other counties saw bridge closures, especially along the coast, during Matthew. It’s possible law enforcement closes bridges ahead of the peak of the storm for public safety reasons or as part of their evacuation plans, but no planned closures have been announced at this time.
BRIDGE WATCH:
Nassau County is monitoring the Shave Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway and the Heckscher Drive Bridge.
Sign Up
