Jacksonville – The iconic Hart Bridge was temporarily closed late Wednesday after a tall crane mounted on a barge collided with the bridge’s superstructure. The incident, which occurred between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m., forced officials to shut the four‑lane green span for safety while crews inspected the damage.

Quick Response by State Workers

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesperson Hampton Ray explained that a special crane was dispatched within 20 minutes of the impact. The crane allowed inspectors to examine the underside of the bridge from the road above, focusing on a dent in a central beam.

“We spent a significant amount of time looking at the actual dent in the bridge,” Ray said. “We used a lot of methods to make sure there were no cracks or fissures. Basically it’s just cosmetic at this juncture.”

Extent of the Damage

State crews reported only minor damage to a beam beneath the center portion of the bridge. No structural cracks or fissures were found, and the bridge’s integrity remained sound. After confirming the bridge was safe for traffic, FDOT reopened the Hart Bridge about four hours after the collision.

Who Was Involved?

The crane and barge’s owner have not been identified, and Ray noted that the company does not appear to be based locally. The U.S. Coast Guard inspected the barge and allowed it to continue its voyage after the initial review.

Historical Context

Opened in 1967, the Hart Bridge spans the St. Johns River, linking Downtown Jacksonville with the Southside. While ships have occasionally struck other Jacksonville bridges, records show the Hart Bridge has largely avoided serious incidents until now.

Impact on Commuters

During the brief closure, traffic was rerouted to nearby crossings, causing minor delays for commuters heading to downtown or the Southside. Local residents expressed relief that the bridge reopened quickly and that no major repairs were required.

Looking Ahead

FDOT officials said they will continue to monitor the bridge and conduct routine inspections to ensure long‑term safety. The swift response and thorough inspection underscore the agency’s commitment to keeping Jacksonville’s critical infrastructure operating smoothly.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.