A head-on crash on the Main Street Bridge in downtown Jacksonville on Wednesday left one man dead and a woman injured, bringing traffic on one of the city’s most critical river crossings to a standstill for hours while crews worked the scene and detectives launched an investigation.
The collision shut the landmark bridge in both directions and quickly tangled traffic on both the Northbank and Southbank as drivers scrambled for alternate routes. Officials said the scene required a careful, methodical investigation, so the bridge stayed closed while detectives documented evidence and reconstructed what happened.
According to First Coast News, the wreck was a head-on collision. The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and a female was taken to a hospital with injuries. Investigators told the outlet that weather may have played a role in the crash. Units from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Fire Rescue swarmed the bridge, securing the area while officers canvassed for witnesses.
Main Street Bridge history and ripple effects
The Main Street Bridge, officially named the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, is the familiar blue lift span that links downtown with San Marco and carries US 1 and US 90 across the St. Johns River. Wikipedia lists the span’s official name and technical specs.
The bridge has had a rough stretch lately. It was forced into a lengthy repair closure last August after a tugboat struck the structure, according to News4JAX. Since it is one of only a handful of downtown river crossings, any shutdown there quickly sends shockwaves through the morning and evening commute.
Investigators work to piece together the crash
Detectives stayed on the bridge through the afternoon, photographing the scene, collecting debris and other evidence, and talking with potential witnesses. Officials had not released the names of the man who died or the injured woman, and they said the investigation is still very much active.
Drivers were urged to steer to other bridges while lanes on the Main Street span remained blocked, a tough ask in a downtown that already leans heavily on a small number of crossings.
Authorities are asking anyone who might have video or information about the crash to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, according to First Coast News. This story will be updated as more details are released.
