Traffic ground to a halt on Jacksonville's East Beltway Tuesday afternoon after a multi-vehicle crash with reported injuries shut down all eastbound lanes of Interstate 295 near Pulaski Road. Emergency crews converged on the scene as traffic stacked up, and drivers were warned to brace for serious delays while wreckage was cleared and investigators did their work.
According to News4JAX, state traffic service FL511 reported around 3:18 p.m. that every eastbound lane was blocked. The crash involved multiple vehicles and injuries were reported, prompting the station to urge motorists to steer clear of the area and find alternate routes while crews remained on scene.
Where it happened
The wreck was reported on the East Beltway of I-295 between mile marker 38 and the Pulaski Road interchange, a stretch just north of the Dames Point Bridge that links Northside neighborhoods with the Arlington corridor. As outlined by Interstate 295 (Florida), Pulaski Road is one of several heavily traveled interchanges on the eastern loop.
Commuter impact
When all lanes shut down on this portion of I-295, backups across the East Beltway are almost guaranteed, and Tuesday was no exception. Drivers heading across the Northside were advised to expect lingering delays through the afternoon, build in extra travel time, look to I-95 or surface streets as possible alternatives, and give responding crews plenty of space to operate.
What we know and what’s next
Authorities had not immediately released information on what caused the crash or how many people were hurt. Further updates are expected as the Florida Highway Patrol and local agencies finish clearing the interstate and release additional details through news outlets and state traffic feeds.
