Mathews Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida has been shut down after a ship hit it on Thursday.
Both sides of the bridge are shut down because a ship struck it, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said. Alternate routes are listed below.
The bridge was shut down around 2:27 p.m. EDT. The bridge will be closed “indefinitely” an official told News4.
“This will be the most significant delay the city has seen in a long time,” JSO Assistant Chief Leonard Propper said.
The ship that struck the bridge is reportedly the USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin.
The ship and/or the insurance company will get the bill for this repair, officials said.
Florida Department of Transportation spokesman Michael Goldman said that structural engineers are assessing the damage.
“One of the supports was damaged,” he said. Vehicles are being kept off to avoid additional damage.
The bridge runs over the Arlington River and supports road 115, running west a cross the river into downtown Jacksonville.
A photo of the bridge by News4 shows a beam on the side of the bridge bent inward.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office recommends avoiding travel through the area, however, if such traffic is unavoidable is recommending the following detours:
East/Westbound detours through the downtown area:
Eastbound primary detour route is to the Hart Bridge via the Union St. Expressway to the Sports Complex exit
Westbound primary detour route is to the Hart Bridge via Cesery Blvd to Atlantic Blvd. – motorists should be aware of possible additional delays due to heavy construction
Detours for Arlington, Ft. Caroline, & Regency areas:
I95 North to Zoo Parkway to the Dames Point Bridge
Detours for Southside area:
I95 South to Emerson/University Blvd. exits
Story developing; check back for updates.
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