Clay Schools ask Middleburg bus riders to be at stops 30 minutes early due to CR 218 bridge closure

Drivers in Clay County will have to find new ways to work and school. The bridge over Black Creek on County Road 218 is shut down after safety issues were discovered.

Black Creek Bridge is shut down until further notice. On Tuesday night, orange barriers marked off the intersection of County Road 218 and Blanding Boulevard.

Florida Department of Transportation bridge inspectors uncovered potential safety issues with the County Road 218 bridge, leaving them no choice but to shut it down and forcing drivers to find another route home.

“I know it’s an inconvenience for those of us who travel this bridge daily, but please just be understanding during this time that they are doing everything they can do for us,” Tammy Murphy said.

FDOT said the damage was caused by extensive flooding in the Black Creek area.

“In general, we’re in pretty good shape. We have a few older bridges in a few locations, but overall, we’re in pretty good shape,” bridge expert Ed Morales said.

Morales said heavy flooding in our area leaves some concern.

“After an event like we had, all the bridges that have water flowing under them should be reviewed, and inspected by a certified bridge inspector,” Morales said.

FDOT said there are 67 state and county bridges in Clay County. Duval County has around 761 state and county bridges.

Clay County Schools leaders are asking all Middleburg High School bus riders to be at their stops 30 minutes ahead of schedule Wednesday morning to account for delays due to the bridge closure.

Cox Media Group