The Florida Department of Transportation will reopen four lanes of the Mathews Bridge following evening rush hour traffic on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
In a release sent Friday afternoon, FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad said he was "excited" that the bridge would open prior to the Florida-Georgia college football game.
“I understand the economic impact experienced by Jacksonville commuters and local businesses when the Mathews Bridge is closed," he said.
FDOT spokesman Mike Goldman said motorists can expect the bridge will close on evenings for continued construction, as it had before it was closed indefinitely following it being struck by a U.S. Navy ship Sept. 26.
The bridge will open 12 days ahead of the 40 day schedule officials set for repairs.
The company contracted to repair the bridge, Superior Construction Co. of Jacksonville, was given an early completion incentive of $50,000 per day to finish the work in 30 days.
