Hart Bridge Reopens After Crane on Barge Strikes Structure

Hart Bridge Reopens Following Barge Crane Collision

The Hart Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida, has reopened to traffic in both directions following a collision involving a barge-mounted crane on Wednesday night. According to News4JAX, the impact occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. while the vessel was attempting to pass beneath the bridge near EverBank Stadium. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) confirmed that vehicles were actively traversing the span at the time of the strike.

Following the incident, FDOT initiated a coordinated emergency response involving bridge inspectors, engineers, and maintenance crews to assess the structural integrity of the crossing. Officials utilized an under-bridge inspection machine to conduct a detailed evaluation of the span, searching for potential damage such as cracks or structural dents. The bridge was closed for roughly four hours while these safety protocols were completed, as reported by News4JAX. Bridge inspectors arrived on-site within 20 minutes of the collision to begin their assessment, which included the deployment of safety boats to support the engineers and maintenance professionals.

The Hart Bridge is closed after a crane on a barge struck the span across the St. Johns River, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation said. pic.twitter.com/bwSJIGhGlG

— https://x.com/ActionNewsJax/status/2118145737208840281

Inspectors Verify Bridge Structural Integrity After Collision

The decision to close the bridge was made out of an “abundance of caution,” according to Hampton Ray, an agency spokesperson. The collision occurred on the side of the bridge near the Matthews Bridge, and crews had to mobilize specialized equipment to reach the site of the impact. The inspection process was intensive, requiring the presence of additional engineers who arrived on-site to assist with the structural verification. During the operation, inspectors utilized a crane equipped with lights to examine the area of the strike, though crews initially noted they had not yet been able to get close enough to conduct a full inspection of the contact point.

Federal standards mandate that bridges undergo rigorous inspections every two years at a minimum. The FDOT personnel focused on verifying that the bridge remained safe for motorists before authorizing the reopening of the lanes. The U.S. Coast Guard is completing an incident response.

Hart Bridge Reopens After Crane on Barge Strikes Structure — Photo: yahoo.com

Unanswered Questions Regarding the Transport

While the immediate threat to commuters has been resolved, several details regarding the incident remain unconfirmed. As of late Wednesday night, the identity of the company responsible for the transport of the crane has not been disclosed. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office noted that it was unclear how long the bridge inspection process would take, and officials have not explained why the crane struck the structure as the barge attempted to pass under the Hart Bridge.

For Jacksonville residents and commuters who rely on the Hart Bridge, the brief closure followed a crane on a barge striking the structure.