Early morning commuters in Jacksonville faced unexpected delays on Thursday, April 3, 2025, as the Buckman Bridge was temporarily closed due to police activity. The closure, which affected traffic in both directions, was confirmed by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, according to First Coast News.
The official reason for the police activity, as well as the specific nature of the incident prompting the closure, was not immediately conveyed to the public. An alert was issued around 7 a.m., advising drivers of the closure. The bridge was reopened roughly an hour later, before 9 a.m.
During the disruption, News4Jax provided traffic detour updates, with Amanda DeVoe offering alternative routes to assist the morning rush. This aided travelers in maneuvering around the bridge to continue their commutes with less inconvenience.
The swift reopening of the bridge suggests that the police were able to resolve the situation without a prolonged impact on traffic flow. According to a brief update from Action News Jax, the lanes were closed at 7 a.m. and opened back up before 9 a.m., easing concerns for drivers anticipating extended delays throughout the day.
Following the incident, traffic returned to normal, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office did not immediately release further details on the cause of the closure. Commuters, relieved by the quick resolution, continued on their journeys as the city's arterial link across the St. Johns River restored its daily pulse of transporting Floridians to and from their destinations.
For those seeking additional traffic updates or travel advice, following local news outlets remains a valuable resource as part of their daily routine.
In addition to the bridge closure, the sheriff's office reported that some downtown roads were also closed due to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics through Downtown Jacksonville. This event, which kicked off at 10 a.m. outside the Police Memorial Building, prompted temporary road closures at Marsh Street, East Adams Street, East Beaver Street, East Monroe Street, Palmetto Street, and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard. However, officials clarified that these closures would impact only a small portion of each road and would last for a short period while the runners passed.
The Buckman Bridge, opened in 1970, spans 3.1 miles across the St. Johns River and serves as a significant link in the I-295 beltway of Jacksonville, connecting regions like Orange Park and Mandarin. It was named after Henry Holland Buckman, a prominent legislator and attorney who played a major role in establishing Florida's state road system.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time the Buckman Bridge has faced closures due to police activity. Last September, several lanes were closed for an extended period due to investigations, which raised concerns among commuters.
As Jacksonville continues to grow, incidents like these remind residents of the importance of staying informed about traffic conditions and road closures. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office encourages the public to remain vigilant and check their official website and social media handles for real-time updates.
In summary, while the temporary closure of the Buckman Bridge created some challenges for early morning commuters, the quick response from law enforcement and local news outlets helped alleviate potential disruptions. As the city gears up for events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run, residents are reminded to plan their routes accordingly and stay updated on local traffic advisories.
