JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The well-known red bridge, a daily route for thousands, has prompted concerns from a local historian who believes it’s time for a thorough evaluation of its future safety measures.

Alan Bliss, the CEO of the Jacksonville History Center, has taken on the role of chairman for the newly established Mathews Bridge Task Force. Bliss cites the bridge’s age, structural design, and the behavior of drivers as pressing issues that demand attention.

“During peak travel times, crossing the bridge can be a rather uncomfortable experience,” Bliss remarked.

Bliss points out that the nearly 70-year-old bridge is grappling with three significant problems: its age, the impatience of drivers, and the absence of space for emergencies. He notes that drivers frequently exceed the 45-mph speed limit, and with no shoulder or emergency lane, even a minor vehicle issue could lead to significant traffic disruptions.

He formed what he called an informal, grassroots task force to bring attention to the problem and hopefully encourage either a replacement or modernization of the bridge. 

City Councilman Ken Amaro also joined the task force, and in a statement to First Coast News, says he agrees the bridge deserves a closer look:

“The Mathews Bridge, while well-maintained by FDOT, does have its issues that necessitate a conversation about its future. Currently, there are no shoulders on the bridge and no place to assist safely with breakdowns or accidents.

When there is an incident, JFRD and JSO response times are also impacted by the limited mobility on the bridge, and the overall travel times by everyone who travels across the bridge is in turn affected. The purpose of this Task Force is to explore all options for the bridge, and we have many of the community’s key stakeholders, to include FDOT, maritime community, public safety, and transportation partners, to begin this long-term discussion.” 

A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Christian Hancock, echoed those safety concerns, saying crashes on the bridge happen often. He says the lack of an emergency lane put drivers and first responders at risk.

“This bridge, along with a couple of others downtown, doesn’t offer that, and that creates a higher risk for everyone involved. Just a citizen breaking down on the bridge, it creates a major backup and creates those hazards that put them right in the middle of traffic. When we respond, it puts us right in the middle as well,” Hancock said. 

The Florida Department of Transportation pushed back, stressing that the Mathews Bridge remains “safe, reliable,” and well-maintained. The agency said it would close the bridge immediately if it believed it was unsafe.

FDOT said no funding or plans exist to replace the Mathews Bridge, and it does not anticipate a need for major work, including significant painting, for at least the next 15 years.

Mayor Donna Deegan’s office offered support for the task force, saying safety and infrastructure are two of her top priorities. 

“With that in mind, she supports the efforts of this group and looks forward to reviewing their recommendations. It’s premature to comment on possible solutions and funding options for the future of the Mathews Bridge before their work has been completed.”

Bliss said long-term improvements won’t be easy to obtain, but it’s worth pushing for.

“It’s going to be a big, difficult, expensive generational project; there’s no getting around that, but things like this have to start somewhere.”

There is no set date for when the Task Force will meet again.