Mathews Bridge on track to open for Florida-Georgia game

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It appears the Mathews Bridge will be open to traffic for the Florida-Georgia game next week.

There's been concerns about delays to repair the bridge after it was hit by a ship last month, but state officials say those concerns are unfounded.

Work continues on the bridge and the latest from the Florida Department of Transportation is it hopes to be able to open during the big football weekend.

Some of the latest photos released from FDOT show construction work and the progress crews are making. They are working night and day to try to get the supports in place to open the bridge.

IMAGES: Crews work to repair bridge

State Sen. Audrey Gibson has been watching closely as well. She spoke with the head of FDOT on Tuesday to find out where it stands and why there are so many different stories of when the bridge may open.

"I spoke to the secretary because every day there are new rumors," Gibson said. "I have to call my staff, 'What is going on?'"

An FDOT spokesman said nothing has changed and there has been no setback. He said FDOT still anticipates having traffic move on the bridge in time for the Florida-Georgia game Nov. 2.

"We are not trying to rush anything," Gibson said. "When they are done with what they need to do, let us know when the bridge is open."


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