One of the lingering effects of Hurricane Irma has come to an end Friday in Clay County.
The County Road 218 bridge over Black Creek in Middleburg was reopened Friday afternoon, according to the Clay County Board of Commissioners.
“We recognize that this has been a significant inconvenience and are delighted to give Clay County residents an early Christmas present as we re-open this major thoroughfare in our county,” said Chairman Gavin Rollins in an email to WJCT News.
The bridge has been closed since September 19 after inspector divers found potential safety issues following Hurricane Irma.
Our News4Jax partner reported 29 school bus routes had been impacted by the closure and that a State Road 16 detour added about 20 minutes to drive times.
The contractor will continue painting the bridge. The county says this will not impact the bridge roadway, which will remain open to two-way traffic without impediment.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
