Hart Bridge Painting Information

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: The 3,844-foot long, 65-foot wide and approximate 150-foot high bridge will be repainted. Bridge maintenance activities will also occur including repairs to the structural steel. The decorative lighting on the bridge will be removed, stored and replaced with new wiring which will be put up at the end of the project. The bridge will keep its same green color.

PROJECT START DATE: Single lane closings to prepare for the work are expected to begin on Monday, February 9. Full bridge closures with detours are expected to start on Friday, February 13.

ESTIMATED PROJECT COMPLETION TIME: The contract specifies 630 days to complete the work. This does not include time for weather delays and holidays. It is currently estimated that the project will be finished in the spring of 2011.

BRIDGE CLOSING TIMES: The bridge will be completely closed on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and on Wednesday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Complete weekend closings will occur on the bridge from 7 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Sunday and from 9 p.m. on Sunday until 6 a.m. on Monday. No individual lane closings are permitted during rush hours between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. These closings will last through the duration of the project. The south approach to the bridge near Episcopal High School will be painted during the spring, summer or December holiday breaks in order to minimize inconveniences to the school. Maritime traffic will not be impeded, but extra caution should be taken by boaters because the area is a construction zone. The Mathews Bridge is the recommended detour while the bridge is fully closed. The Main Street or the Acosta bridges also can be used as alternative routes.

SPECIAL EVENTS: The contractor will not be able to close the bridge during designated special events such as Jacksonville Jaguar football games, the Florida/Georgia football game, the Gator Bowl, the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair, the Gate River Run and major holidays.

Last update: 12:05 p.m. February 5, 2009.