Howard Coker | February 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
To many, Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the most beautiful places in the country. If you love water, you’ll appreciate the fact that both the St. Johns and San Pablo Rivers run throughout the city. Because these waterways divide Jacksonville into different areas, the city has many bridges to connect each part, helping residents and visitors get around.
Driving over bridges can be awe-inspiring for some and anxiety-inducing for others. Bridges can offer limited visibility, and some may worry about the potential dangers of being involved in a crash on a narrow, elevated roadway.
Fortunately, one of the best ways to ease fears about driving on Jacksonville bridges is to learn more about them. Here’s an overview from our Jacksonville personal Injury attorneys of some of the city’s most iconic bridges.
The St. Elmo W. Acosta Bridge
This bridge was named in honor of the councilman who initially helped build it. It’s known for its beautiful views, as well as its versatility. With six lanes, the Acosta Bridge accommodates pedestrians, cars, and the Skyway train along the median.
The Dames Point Bridge
This is also one of Jacksonville’s finest creations. Though it’s commonly known as the Dames Point Bridge, its official name is the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge, named after one of the state’s most memorable governors.
With a stretch of road two miles long, the bridge contains more than 21 miles of cable. This brings both beauty and notoriety as one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the U.S.
The Matthews Bridge
The Matthews Bridge connects downtown Jacksonville to the Arlington Expressway. Named after a Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, it’s responsible for spurring the growth of the Arlington area. Part of its charm lies in its unique maroon color, a nod to the city’s football roots. Maroon was one of the official colors of the Jacksonville Bulls.
The Buckman Bridge
Henry Holland Buckman was a Florida official known for helping establish the state road system, so it’s only fitting that he has a bridge named after him. The Buckman Bridge is three miles in length, making it one of the longest bridges in Jacksonville, FL.
While residents are grateful for this easy connection to the Orange Park area, it should be noted that this bridge has, at some points, been notorious for car and truck accidents. It’s one of the first some residents think about when they hear of Jacksonville bridge closures, which can make drivers apprehensive about crossing it.
The Fuller Warren Bridge
With eight lanes of traffic, the Fuller Warren Bridge is undoubtedly one of the widest bridges in Jacksonville. It opened 23 years ago and was named after a former state governor. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this bridge is what happens under it — it provides an overpass for the famous Riverside Arts Market every weekend.
The Ortega River Bridge
This unique drawbridge provides direct access to the city’s yacht clubs. However, Jacksonville’s Ortega neighborhood is known for more than just its affluence. It’s also rich in history, which is reflected in its architecture. The Ortega River Bridge is one of the only bridges in Jacksonville, Florida, that doesn’t cross the St. Johns River.
What To Do if You’re Injured On a Jacksonville Bridge
Being injured in a car accident on a Jacksonville bridge can be a stressful ordeal. After your accident, you might be left dealing with medical treatment and taking time away from work to recover physically and emotionally.
If you’ve found yourself in this situation, consider getting in touch with a car accident attorney. An experienced lawyer will understand the gravity of your situation and have the necessary tools to investigate and determine who was at fault. They may also be able to help you secure comprehensive compensation to get your life back on track.
Contact The Personal Injury Law Firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
