Motorists planning to navigate Jacksonville's Buckman Bridge this weekend should brace for delays as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) embarks on essential construction work. In the interests of safety and modernization, the project will prompt the shutdown of two lanes on the southbound side of the I-295 over the St. Johns River, as well as impact access ramps, First Coast News reports.
Lane closures are anticipated to commence at 10 p.m. Friday, with the construction activity stretching out until the early hours of Monday morning, set to reopen by 4 a.m. Specifically, the I-295 South on-ramp from US 17 will not be serviceable during this period, a measure likely to reroute weekend travel plans significantly. FDOT advises those affected to seek out alternative paths or factor in additional time for their journeys, First Coast News notes.
The construction works are part of a broader initiative that includes replacing bridge finger joints and conducting partial coatings and structural steel refurbishments on the Buckman Bridge. "During the closures, drivers on U.S. 17 North wishing to access I-295 South will take the ramp to I-295 North and exit at Blanding Boulevard to access I-295 South," the FDOT outlined, according to a report by News4Jax.
Emphasizing the scope of the weekend's work, FDOT shared with Action News Jax that the endeavor will mitigate future wear and tear on the bridge, thereby extending its longevity and usability. Drivers are encouraged to consult the latest travel advisories and road closure notifications before embarking on their weekend travel plans to ensure the least disturbance to their schedules.
