JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — ***Check back on this story for updates on any bridge closures as Hurricane Idalia approaches the First Coast.***
Southeast Georgia
The Georgia Department of Transportation is closing the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Glynn County at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, ahead of Hurricane Idalia. GDOT is also closing the Talmadge Memorial Bridge at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 30.
Northeast Florida
No closures have been announced yet for Duval and surrounding counties.
***Please be advised bridge closure times are subject to change based on evolving weather patterns***
When will bridges close?
One of the most frequently asked questions First Coast News gets is whether bridges are going to close during high winds experienced from hurricanes.
There are specific requirements that must be met before a bridge is temporarily shut down.
The city of Jacksonville says the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will make the determination to close the bridges when and if there are sustained winds of 40+ miles per hour during Idalia.
If closures are announced, drivers should expect bridges at higher elevations, like the Mathews, Hart and Dames Point bridges, to close first since those bridges would see the most intense winds first.
The closures would happen suddenly and usually do not have early notice as they are often closed right when the 40 mph sustained wind threshold is met. Closures should also be expected to be brief, since sustained winds and not periodic gusts are required for closures.