Mathews Bridge closure backs up Friday rush hour

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An accident involving a car and big rig blocked all eastbound lanes of the Mathews Bridge for about 2½ hours Friday afternoon. 

The crash occurred about 2:30 p.m. in the eastbound lanes near the base of the bridge. For a brief time after the wreck, both westbound lanes were also closed.

Jacksonville Fire-Rescue said two people were injured. The family of the truck driver say his name is Tarens Smith and he suffered a broken leg, neck and hip.

News4Jax's crews around downtown late Friday said the other bridges leaving downtown were congested with motorists detouring around the Mathews Bridge.