Bridge of Lions changes could impact commute

Locals say traffic anywhere in St. Augustine is a constant issue, but nothing causes more congestion than the Bridge of Lions.

Gordon Brewton tells Action News Jax, “It gets pretty hectic in the afternoon -- a lot of stops in a lot of long lines of people waiting to get over the bridge. It’s a dead stop until it goes down. You really just sit and wait.”

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The City of St. Augustine said addressing the concern is a top priority.

Currently, the bridge opens on the half-hour from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., with the exception of 8 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.

In May 2016, the city requested that the Coast Guard change the schedule.

“What we’re asking is to extend the half-hour opening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then on weekends, also, don’t have a bridge opening at 3:30 p.m.,” Reuben Franklin, mobility program manager, said.

Some residents are skeptical of the plan and say the new schedule could even turn away tourists traveling by boats.

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Brewton said, “I don't know. I mean, it's just a lot of people need to get over it, so I don't know if just changing the schedule will help.”

All agree that an answer is needed to ease traffic.

The Coast Guard will be accepting public comment on the new schedule through May 15.

Cox Media Group