Crash Causes Major Traffic Delays on Jacksonville’s Mathews Bridge Before Lanes Reopen

A crash on Jacksonville’s Mathews Bridge caused significant traffic congestion Thursday afternoon after blocking a westbound travel lane and forcing traffic to be diverted from the Arlington Expressway.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office temporarily rerouted westbound motorists as emergency crews responded to the scene. Although all lanes have since reopened, the incident created lengthy delays for commuters traveling into downtown Jacksonville.

What Happened?

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred on the westbound side of the Mathews Bridge during the afternoon of June 25, 2026.

Initial reports indicated:

• The left westbound lane on the Mathews Bridge was blocked.
• Westbound traffic on the Arlington Expressway was diverted at University Boulevard.
• Drivers experienced slow-moving traffic and significant backups approaching the bridge.

Authorities later confirmed that all lanes reopened at approximately 4:37 p.m., allowing traffic to resume normal flow.

Alternate Routes Were Recommended

During the closure, officials advised motorists heading toward downtown Jacksonville to use alternate crossings, including:

• Hart Bridge
• Main Street Bridge

Traffic management measures were implemented to reduce congestion while emergency crews cleared the crash scene.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding:

• The number of vehicles involved
• Whether anyone was injured
• The cause of the collision
• Whether any citations were issued

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.

Common Causes of Bridge and Expressway Crashes

Bridges and elevated highways often present unique driving challenges, particularly during periods of heavy traffic.

Some of the most common contributing factors in these crashes include:

• Following too closely
• Distracted driving
• Sudden traffic slowdowns
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speeding
• Wet or slippery road conditions

Investigators will review the available evidence to determine what led to the collision.

Florida Traffic Laws May Apply

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, several Florida traffic laws could be relevant.

Florida Statute §316.0895 requires drivers to maintain a reasonable and prudent following distance behind other vehicles.

Additionally, Florida Statute §316.1925 defines careless driving as operating a vehicle without careful and prudent regard for roadway conditions, traffic, and surrounding circumstances.

If driver negligence contributed to the collision, citations or additional enforcement actions may be issued.

Potential Legal Rights Following a Crash

If someone was injured because another driver’s negligence caused the collision, Florida law may allow injured parties to pursue compensation.

Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of future earning capacity

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statute §768.81, meaning responsibility may be shared among multiple parties based on each person’s percentage of fault.

Any determination of liability will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation.

Traffic Safety on Jacksonville Bridges

Major bridges throughout Jacksonville—including the Mathews Bridge, Hart Bridge, and Main Street Bridge—carry thousands of vehicles each day.

Drivers can help reduce the risk of crashes by:

• Leaving additional following distance.
• Avoiding distracted driving.
• Reducing speed when approaching congestion.
• Watching for sudden traffic slowdowns.
• Following directions from law enforcement and traffic control personnel.

These simple precautions can help prevent secondary crashes and improve safety for everyone traveling through the area.

Investigation Ongoing

While the roadway has reopened, investigators continue working to determine what caused Thursday’s crash on the Mathews Bridge.

Additional information may be released if authorities identify contributing factors or determine that enforcement action is appropriate.

Motorists are encouraged to remain alert whenever traveling through active crash scenes and to comply with Florida’s Move Over Law (Florida Statute §316.126), which requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles to help protect first responders and roadside workers.