Drivers on northbound I-295 at the Buckman Bridge will see multi-lane closures this weekend as crews shift traffic to move into a new phase of construction, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).At times, when traffic volumes are low, only one lane of the northbound Buckman Bridge will be operational during restriping.
The restriping activities will involve shifting all four travel lanes from the outside to the inside portion of the bridge. Lane widths will continue to be reduced on the Buckman Bridge, varying from 10 feet to 11 feet, to allow for an eight-foot emergency shoulder.
The construction, January 29 through the overnight hours of January 31, will impact drivers on northbound I-295, including those using the express lanes, and northbound on-ramp from San Jose Boulevard (S.R. 13).
Beginning 10 p.m., Friday, January 29 until to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 30, double inside lane closures will take place on the northbound bridge. During this time the northbound express lanes on I-295 between I-95 and the Buckman Bridge will be closed.
From 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, January 30, single lane closures will take place on northbound I-295 at the Buckman Bridge.
From 8 p.m., Saturday, January 30 until 11 p.m. Saturday, January 30, double inside lane closures will take place. During this time the I-295 northbound express lanes will be closed.
Starting at 11 p.m. Saturday, January 30 until 11 a.m. Sunday, January 31, the three outside lanes of the northbound Buckman Bridge will be closed. During this time, the on-ramp from San Jose Boulevard (S.R. 13) to northbound I-295 will be closed. Drivers on S.R. 13 seeking to access northbound I-295 will be detoured to southbound I-295, where drivers will exit at Old St. Augustine Road and continue to their destination via Northbound I-295. The northbound I-295 Express Lanes will be closed during this time.
From 11 a.m. Sunday, January 30 until 4 a.m. Monday, February 1, double outside lane closures will take place on the northbound bridge. During this time, the on-ramp from San Jose Boulevard (S.R. 13) to northbound I-295 will continue to be closed. Drivers on S.R. 13 wishing to take northbound I-295 will be detoured to Southbound I-295, where drivers will exit at Old St. Augustine Road and continue to their destination via Northbound I-295.
The FDOT says the construction will ultimately improve safety along the corridor. The project includes a safety initiative to display whether lanes are free-flowing, slowed or blocked on the bridge (see the image in this story). Programmable overhead electronic boards and additional CCTV cameras will be installed at several locations on both directions of the bridge to guide lane use, improve traffic flow and enhance safety. Additional signage is also being placed on the bridge.
The current speed limit reduction from 65 mph to 55 mph will remain in place until the completion of the construction project.
The $10.5 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
