Shands Bridge

Shands Bridge is a road bridge that crosses the St. Johns River near Green Cove Springs, serving as a vital transportation link between Jacksonville and Palatka. The structure has two lanes and steel construction, with adequate clearance for river traffic to pass underneath.

This bridge opened in 1963 and replaced a wooden toll bridge from 1929 that crossed the same river. The new structure provided a more durable and efficient crossing for the growing transportation demands between the two areas.

The bridge carries Florida State Road 16 and stands as the primary connection point between Clay and St. Johns counties for local residents.

The bridge is accessible during normal traffic hours and allows steady crossing of the river in both directions. Keep in mind that active vehicle traffic uses the bridge and standard road rules apply.

The bridge was named after a historical local figure and proved its durability when it survived a major hurricane with minimal damage to most of the structure. This demonstrates the strength of the engineering behind the construction.

Location: Florida

Inception: October 30, 1963

Official opening: 1963

GPS coordinates: 29.98330,-81.61670

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48