Buckman Bridge

Buckman Bridge is a road bridge crossing the St. Johns River in Jacksonville and features separate structures for eastbound and westbound traffic on Interstate 295. The twin spans extend about 5 kilometers across the river, connecting the northern and southern shores of this major waterway.

The bridge opened to traffic in 1970 after completion of a complex construction project that lasted several years. Its opening changed transportation patterns in Jacksonville by creating a direct crossing over the St. Johns River.

The bridge is named after Henry Holland Buckman, a politician who shaped Florida's higher education system in the early 1900s. Today it serves as a vital connection for people traveling across the river valley.

The bridge is part of Interstate 295 and carries many thousands of vehicles daily as a major transportation route. Visitors should expect traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening rush hours when travel times can increase significantly.

During construction, engineers discovered that bacterial activity in the river caused chemical reactions that damaged concrete foundations. This unexpected challenge forced builders to redesign their approach and find new solutions before the bridge could be completed.