Road Rage & Accidents Over Matthews Bridge Closure

Eddie Farah

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 415

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Angry motorists have innundated the Department of Transportation Jacksonville's offices over the bridge closure that has increased their commute from 15 minutes to an hour.

The Matthews Bridge, the main artery from downtown to Arlington, had its eastbound lanes closed last week while the DOT replaces the steel grating with a new, epoxy smooth surface.

The westbound lane remains open, but that doesn't help things when the traffic begins to flow from downtown in the evening.

The lane closures are expected to last 90 days.

Not only does the move have motorists fuming -- but because of the deluge of calls, officials are now considering allowing eastbound traffic during rush hour.

If the lane shift is implemented, traffic would flow into downtown from 8 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. After a 15-minute shutdown, eastbound traffic would then use the bridge from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., while westbound drivers would detour down University Boulevard to Atlantic Boulevard and then over the Hart Bridge.

Pricetag for the convenience, about $2 million.

And when an accident closes the westbound lane, as it did last week, expect more tempers to flare.