CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The bridge on Moody Avenue between Connie Circle and Meadow Drive in Clay County was deemed “unsafe” due to damage caused by excessive rainfall, according to a Clay County spokesperson.
The spokesperson told News4JAX Monday the excessive rainfall washed out a box culvert. For that reason, officials made the decision to close the bridge and put in place a 1.6-mile detour.
The road is closed until further notice and detours are posted.
“We’re actively working to get these repairs underway. Residents can stay tuned to our Road Projects page located on our homepage, for the latest updates,” a spokesperson said.
Renee Flores works at the YMCA on Moody Ave, just a few steps away from the failing bridge. She said membership is down as most people are still figuring out that they’ll have to take a detour to get to the gym.
“It’s been inconvenient for some people to make their classes on time because they didn’t realize they would have to take a detour,” Flores said. “We do have sports here, practices in the afternoon, games on Fridays and Saturdays, where we are packed and with them, only being able to come in one entrance instead of the two. It’s going to be quite challenging.”
While flooding in the area has been worse than normal, Renee said she didn’t expect to see the road cave in because of it.
“The water does get pretty high, and with the excessive rain, it’s just been crazy,” Flores said.
Sandy VanBrunt said she’s noticed drainage issues getting worse in the area… and hopes this road is fixed quickly to alleviate traffic.
“I’ve noticed a lot of trees, a lot of the roads are crumbling, and water is pooling, and you can see where they’re sinking, but nothing’s being done because it’s throughout. I mean, it’s a big issue in Clay County,” VanBrunt said.
Below is the traffic detour put in place:
- Northbound traffic: The detour will begin at Connie Circle. Drivers will make a right turn onto Dennis Drive, a left turn onto Moody Avenue, a right turn onto Londonderry Drive, a right turn onto Blanding Boulevard, a right turn onto Meadow Drive, and then a left turn onto Moody Avenue.
- Southbound traffic: The detour will begin at Meadow Drive. Drivers will make a right turn onto Meadow Drive, a left turn onto Blanding Boulevard, a left turn onto Londonderry Drive, and then a right turn onto Moody Avenue.
Karen Freund said she drove over the road just a few hours before it was closed off.
“I was coming home from church and I noticed the car in front of me take a big dip and then I went over it too and didn’t think nothing of it,” Freund said. “And then today, I found out the road’s closed and because it had collapsed.”
She said it’s a lot worse than what it was.
Officials said they will provide more updates on the status of the bridge as soon as possible.