Onyx Bugett | TalkLife News
November 5, 2026 · Morning report
JACKSONVILLE — The Hart Bridge reopened in both directions after a crane aboard a barge struck the span Wednesday evening, prompting a temporary shutdown while state crews checked its structural safety.
Action News Jax’s November 5 report, citing the Florida Department of Transportation, said traffic resumed within about four hours of the incident. That reopening supersedes the closure announcements circulated Wednesday night.
Inspectors evaluated the bridge before traffic returned
The strike occurred around 7 p.m. November 4 as the barge attempted to pass beneath the bridge over the St. Johns River, according to the station’s initial report. FDOT spokesman Hampton Ray said the precautionary closure would allow inspectors to assess any damage and determine whether motorists could safely return.
Crews arrived within approximately 20 minutes, equipped with an under-bridge inspection machine, the updated report said. The response involved engineers, bridge inspectors, maintenance personnel and safety boats.
News4Jax’s initial account likewise reported that the bridge was closed in both directions while inspectors assessed it. At that point, there was no reopening timetable. The later account supplies the outcome of that inspection-related closure.
Road access and the incident review are separate questions
FDOT’s account said the U.S. Coast Guard was completing its incident response concerning the circumstances of the strike. Reopening the roadway establishes that traffic was allowed back after evaluation; it does not, on its own, determine responsibility for the collision.
The reports reviewed do not provide a final explanation of how the crane came into contact with the bridge or a final damage-cost figure. Those questions should remain separate from the confirmed reopening.
For Thursday travelers, the useful update is that the overnight closure ended. Drivers checking a shared post or screenshot should look for its timestamp, because an accurate Wednesday-night warning can become outdated after the road reopens. For current incidents, cameras and route conditions, use Florida’s official FL511 service before setting out.