Why Buckman Bridge's Sudden Closure Has Jacksonville on Edge
Jacksonville residents are reeling after another terrifying shutdown of the Buckman Bridge. The iconic structure, already infamous for close calls and tragic accidents, was unexpectedly closed in both directions on April 3, 2025, due to ongoing police activity. As rush hour traffic was halted, fear and frustration mounted, reminding the public once again of the pressing safety concerns surrounding this vital link.
💬 "A vehicle was pushed off of the Buckman Bridge by a Road Ranger early this morning, according to Florida Highway Patrol. This crash is believed to be fatal." – @news4jax
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A Chaotic Week of Bridge Incidents
The timeline of events paints a disturbing picture of back-to-back crises. On March 30, a 61-year-old man tragically died after his pickup truck plunged into the St. Johns River [1]. Just two days later on April 1, a multi-vehicle crash left victims trapped and traffic gridlocked for hours [4]. Before the city could recover, all lanes of the bridge were abruptly shut down on April 3 at 7 AM due to undisclosed police activity [2][7]. At the time of reporting — over six hours later — the situation remained unresolved, paralyzing commuters and stirring widespread anxiety.
Shaken Trust in Bridge Safety
Standing 65 feet above water and stretching more than 3 miles, the Buckman Bridge has been a vital artery for decades. Built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1995, it received a 91.8 out of 100 safety score in 2022 [5]. However, locals have long expressed concerns about its narrow lanes and the absence of emergency shoulders. After a series of recent crashes, frustrations are boiling over as residents question whether the bridge has kept pace with Jacksonville's growing infrastructure demands.
What Officials Are Saying
Authorities remain tight-lipped about the events that led to Thursday's full closure. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office issued a brief alert:
"Buckman Bridge closed in both directions until further notice due to police activity" – source
More details are expected as investigations unfold, but the silence has only intensified public concern during an already emotional week.
A City Holds Its Breath
Online, the emotional toll is evident. Dashcam footage and personal accounts continue to flood social media, many tagged with #BridgeOfTerror. One especially viral post claimed a Road Ranger may have caused a fatal accident, though unconfirmed by authorities [8]. The timing of Thursday’s closure — just as children headed to school and hospital workers commuted to Baptist Medical Center South — compounded the stress and urgency of the situation.
For a deeper look into the bridge’s troubled legacy, watch the I-TEAM investigation on Buckman Bridge safety.
Conclusion
✔️ Back-to-back incidents turn spotlight on Jacksonville’s most crucial — and controversial — bridge
✔️ Public demands transparency and long-overdue safety reforms after years of near-tragedies
