Sunday night traffic on Jacksonville’s south side ground to a halt after a serious crash on I-295W over the Buckman Bridge shut down multiple southbound lanes. Jacksonville Fire Rescue said one adult was taken from the scene with life-threatening injuries, and the Florida Highway Patrol later confirmed the crash was a fatality. Drivers reported heavy backups rippling across feeder roads while emergency crews worked the bridge.
Officials' account
According to Action News Jax, the Florida Highway Patrol said the wreck happened on I-295W on the southbound side of the Buckman Bridge and forced troopers to close multiple lanes while they investigated. As of about 8:30 p.m., the outlet reported that two left lanes were still blocked while first responders secured the area.
Bridge history and recent work
The Buckman Bridge has seen its share of serious crashes over the years and has been the focus of recurring maintenance. FDOT District Two has previously detailed weekend lane and ramp closures for finger-joint replacement and other work scheduled through early 2026. News4Jax’s I-Team has chronicled past fatal and off-bridge crashes on the span and the safety reviews that followed those incidents.
What drivers should know
Anyone planning to cross the river should expect delays and build in extra travel time. Depending on detours, alternate routes like U.S. 17 or Roosevelt Boulevard may move faster than sitting in bridge traffic. For live updates on lane reopenings and real-time camera views, check FL511 or FDOT’s traveler information pages.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators remained on the scene Sunday night and had not yet released additional information about how the crash happened or the identities of those involved. This story will be updated as agencies share more details.
