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Clay County bridge closed by Irma to reopen before Christmas

A bridge in Middleburg that's been shut down since Hurricane Irma affected the area in September will reopen ahead of schedule, Clay County officials said Thursday.

The Clay County Board of County Commissioners announced that the County Road 218 bridge will reopen Friday at close of business.

The bridge was closed Sept. 19 when bridge inspector divers noted potential safety issues with the bridge after Hurricane Irma.

“We recognize that this has been a significant inconvenience and are delighted to give Clay County residents an early Christmas present as we re-open this major thoroughfare in our county,” Chairman Gavin Rollins said.

Officials said the bridge was set to open Dec. 23.

LeWare Construction Company of Florida, the bridge's contractor, will continue to complete painting the bridge, which will be open to two-way traffic.