Safety changes being made to Buckman Bridge in Jacksonville during construction project

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Multiple lanes will be closed on I-295 on the Buckman Bridge over the next two weekends as crews make safety changes to accommodate an ongoing construction project, the Florida Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

Here are the changes drivers will see:

• The lanes on the bridge will be restriped to create an 8-foot emergency shoulder.
• The lanes will be reduced from 12 feet to 10 or 11 feet.
• The speed limit on the bridge will be reduced from 65 to 55 mph.
• Programmable overhead electronic boards and cameras will be installed on both directions of the bridge to “guide lane use, improve traffic flow and enhance safety,” FDOT stated.
• There will be added signage to better inform drivers.
• These changes will only be implemented during construction. The lanes will be returned to their original widths (12 feet), after construction (expected summer 2021, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting).

FDOT said from Friday, March 6 through the overnight hours of Sunday, March 8, the project will impact Roosevelt Boulevard, also known as U.S. 17.

At 10 p.m. on March 6 until 9:30 a.m. March 7, the double inside lanes will be closed on the bridge. Drivers on southbound Roosevelt Boulevard who need to take southbound I-295 will be detoured to northbound I-295 and will exit at Blanding Boulevard, continuing them on I-295 South.

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From 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. March 7, FDOT said one lane will be closed on the bridge. Drivers on southbound Roosevelt Boulevard who need to take southbound I-295 will be detoured to northbound I-295 and will exit at Blanding Boulevard, continuing them on I-295 South.

At 10 p.m. March 7 until 11 a.m. March 8, three outside lanes on the bridge will be closed. The northbound and southbound ramps of Roosevelt Boulevard to southbound I-295 will be detoured to northbound I-295. Drivers will be able to exit at Blanding Boulevard, continuing them on I-295 South.

Officials are expected to provide an updated detour for the weekend of March 13-15 that will impact San Jose Boulevard.

The changes are part of a $10.5 million project to improve safety along the corridor, FDOT stated.

The project is expected to be finished by summer 2021.

The safety changes were announced a week after a fiery, fatal crash on the Buckman Bridge.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates and watch on FOX30 & CBS47 Action News Jax.

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