JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Residents of Jacksonville, or those who have spent considerable time in the area, are likely familiar with the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, more widely recognized as the Main Street Bridge.

City officials are actively pursuing national acknowledgment for the bridge’s historical and architectural significance. This striking blue structure, named in honor of Jacksonville’s longest-serving mayor, has been a vital link between parts of the city and Downtown Jacksonville since its inauguration in 1941.

Though Jacksonville is home to several bridges, this particular one holds a special place, having been featured on the Super Bowl XXXIX logo and the renowned Florida-Georgia logo. City Councilman Matt Carlucci emphasizes that these prominent appearances underscore its worthiness for national recognition.

“The Main Street Bridge is a central icon on countless postcards and promotional materials for Jacksonville,” Carlucci noted. “It’s a symbol that should be nationally celebrated.”

Councilman Carlucci says while doing research, he and others noticed that the bridge was listed for landmark eligibility. He introduced a bill on Nov. 25 expressing support for the nomination of the John T. Alsop bridge for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. That bill has several other City Council members on board.

“I think it has earned it. The bridge symbolically has been used many times, including the Super Bowl, as what pulls our city together. The bridge was built in order to help the whole city,” Carlucci told First Coast News.

According to the bill, the Florida Department of Transportation has already committed nearly $100 million dollars in infrastructure upgrades in 2028 to help make the bridge stronger and help it earn national landmark status.

First, Carlucci’s bill will have to pass for the city to apply to put the bridge on the National Register of Historic Places. The process could take 6 months to a year.

This picture here shows the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge in 1957. We asked CEO of the Jacksonville History Center, Dr. Alan Bliss, why he thinks this bridge deserves the recognition.

“It helps elevate the story of the bridge, it helps elevate the significance of all the bridges on the river, and frankly, it helps elevate Jacksonville’s identity,” Bliss said.

“You know, we wouldn’t be Jacksonville without the Main Street bridge,” Carlucci said.

Councilman Carlucci also says, if and when this plan gets close to completion, he would like national landmark signs on both the Northbank and Southbank.