Hart Bridge Closed After Crane Strike

Florida Department of Transportation shut the Jacksonville span in both directions while inspectors assess its structure.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Construction

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The Florida Department of Transportation closed the Hart Bridge in both directions after a crane struck it. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office redirected all traffic away from the span.

Why it matters

The closure disrupts traffic across one of five major bridges crossing the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. Officials closed the bridge from an abundance of caution after the impact.

The Hart Bridge opened to traffic on Nov. 2, 1967 and cost $8.5 million to build, making it one of five major St. Johns River crossings in Jacksonville. Inspectors have been dispatched, but no damage assessment or reopening timeline has been released.

The players

Florida Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining Florida's highways and bridges, including the Hart Bridge.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that redirected traffic away from the Hart Bridge following the closure.

The details

The crane was on a barge in the St. Johns River when it struck the bridge, prompting FDOT to announce the closure Wednesday night. Inspectors have been dispatched to assess the structure before any reopening decision is made.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: FDOT announces the Hart Bridge closure after the crane impact.
Nov. 2, 1967: The Hart Bridge opened to traffic.

Construction Context

Jacksonville has seen a comparable incident when a cargo ship struck the Mathews Bridge on Sept. 26, 2013, and that span stayed closed until Oct. 29, 2013. The Hart Bridge closure raises similar questions about inspection timelines for river-crossing structures in the city.

Drivers crossing the St. Johns River in Jacksonville must use alternate routes while the Hart Bridge remains closed. Commuters should expect longer travel times until inspectors determine when the span can reopen.

The takeaway

Infrastructure strikes on river bridges can close key crossings for weeks, so commuters should plan alternate routes early. Reopening timelines depend on inspection results that have not yet been released.