What wind speed causes Jacksonville’s bridges to shut down?

October 8

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In a city of many bridges, what happens if predicted high winds from Hurricane Milton grow too strong?

The bottom line is when the anemometer consistently records a certain wind speed, the city’s bridges (Main Street, Acosta, Hart, Mathews and Ortega, plus Beach and Atlantic boulevards over the Intracoastal Waterway), get shut down by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

And the state’s bridges — like the Dames Point and Buckman on Interstate 295, the Fuller-Warren on Interstate 95 and Butler Boulevard — follow suit as well, then-JSO Undersheriff Nick Burgos told the Times-Union in 2022.

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At what wind speed do Jacksonville bridges close?

Generally, when sustained winds reach 40 mph, bridges are closed to all traffic. “But we have wind meters on all the bridges and we will make sure no one crosses them when they are not safe.”

Who makes the decision to close bridges during a storm?

The Florida Department of Transportation, sheriff’s offices and the Florida Highway Patrol jointly monitor wind conditions at area bridges during storms in the state. If sustained winds exceed those specified levels, the FDOT works with city police departments or county sheriff’s offices to close affected bridges.

How do I know if bridges are closed in Jacksonville?

Bridge closures are communicated via local media channels, social media and the city’s JaxReady social media channels and app. FDOT also uses FL511, a free tool for motorists to get real-time updates on the status of roadways. And any person can call #511 from any phone to receive up-to-date information on roadway conditions throughout the state.

How much notice do officials give for bridge closures?

Bridges get shut down quickly when weather conditions get bad, and will stay closed for the duration of the storm, emergency officials said. Even if it’s not windy enough to shut down the bridges, law enforcement members warn anyone with tall vehicles, such as commercial trucks or motor homes, to be careful since crosswinds during an approaching storm can also be dangerous.

What about Jacksonville’s public transportation? Do buses run in a hurricane?

Jacksonville Transportation Authority buses will be parked if sustained winds hit 35 mph or above, the JTA said.

Does the river ferry suspend operations during a hurricane?

The St. Johns River Ferry that runs between Mayport and Heckscher Drive on the city’s Northside will suspend operations and be moved to docks in Green Cove Springs if the storm gets too bad.

More important storm-related information

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Hurricane Milton: When will Jacksonville bridges close?

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