Jacksonville: A deadly crash on the Buckman Bridge today (30 June 2025, Monday) shut down all southbound lanes of I-295, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during Monday morning rush hour. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the collision involved a tractor-trailer and two other vehicles, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old man from Green Cove Springs.
The crash on Buckman Bridge happened shortly before 5:45 a.m., near the middle of the bridge heading toward Mandarin. Authorities say the driver of an SUV struck the back of a disabled semi-truck, triggering a chain reaction. All southbound traffic over the bridge was halted as rescue crews, troopers, and investigators responded.
By mid-morning, major congestion stretched several miles back, with drivers reporting delays of over an hour. The Buckman Bridge remained closed southbound for several hours as FHP’s Traffic Homicide Unit investigated the scene.
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What Caused the Buckman Bridge Crash on June 30?
The incident began when a tractor-trailer broke down on the bridge and stopped in a travel lane. A Chevrolet SUV struck the rear of the truck, which was partially disabled and stationary. A second SUV then crashed into the scene. The impact killed the driver of the first SUV.
Emergency crews worked through the morning to clear the wreckage. One other person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
As of 10:45 a.m. ET, all southbound lanes on the Buckman Bridge remain closed, while northbound traffic is open but slow-moving.
Is the Buckman Bridge Still Closed? Here’s What to Know
If you’re searching “Is the Buckman Bridge closed today?”—the answer is yes, for southbound lanes only. Here’s what you need to know:
- Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
- Time of crash: 5:45 AM ET
- Location: Mid-span of the Buckman Bridge, I-295 South
- Fatality: 61-year-old male driver
- Injuries: 1 non-critical
- Traffic impact: Full southbound closure, heavy delays
- Reopening status: Closure expected to last until early afternoon
Why Does Buckman Bridge Keep Closing? A Quick Look at Ongoing Issues
Today’s crash is the latest in a series of incidents that have impacted this major river crossing. The Buckman Bridge, which connects Ortega to Mandarin, sees more than 100,000 vehicles daily. Any accident, especially involving tractor-trailers, can lead to complete shutdowns due to limited shoulder space and high-speed traffic flow.
In addition to accidents, the bridge is also undergoing structural maintenance by FDOT, including finger-joint replacements, which cause overnight and weekend lane closures.
Alternate Routes to Avoid the Buckman Bridge Closure
To avoid congestion during a Buckman Bridge closure, FDOT and local authorities recommend the following detours:
- I-10 East to I-95 South
- Collins Rd to Blanding Blvd (SR-21)
- Roosevelt Blvd (US-17 South) – slower, but direct for local traffic
Drivers should allow an extra 30–45 minutes during closure hours and check traffic apps before heading out.
