The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the City of Tampa, and the City of Clearwater are coordinating efforts to inform the public about potential major bridge closures in the Tampa Bay area due to hazardous weather conditions from Hurricane Milton.
As winds and water levels rise, bridge closures may be necessary to protect public safety. FDOT, FHP, and local law enforcement will have personnel and equipment on-site to manage these closures. Residents should plan their evacuation routes accordingly and remain aware that there could come a time when it is no longer safe or possible to evacuate using these bridges.
READ: St. Petersburg Issues Urgent Safety Advisory For Areas Near Tower Cranes Due To Hurricane Milton
Message boards will alert the public to bridge closures. Although law enforcement and traffic resources will be in place at the onset of the closures, there may come a point when it is unsafe for FDOT crews, troopers, or officers to remain on site. The public is strongly urged not to attempt to cross any bridges once they are officially closed, even if no barriers or officers are present.
Key Bridges and Anticipated Closures:
- Sunshine Skyway Bridge: The bridge will close when sustained winds exceed 45 mph, with a full closure expected by Wednesday afternoon.
- Howard Frankland and Gandy Bridges: Monitored by FHP, these bridges will close if water begins to approach the roadways. Closures are also anticipated by Wednesday afternoon.
- Courtney Campbell Causeway: Monitored by the Tampa and Clearwater Police Departments, this causeway will be closed when rising water levels threaten the approaches. A Wednesday afternoon closure is also anticipated.
READ: VIDEO: NOAA Aircraft Operations Rough Flight Through Hurricane Milton As It Eyes Florida
After Hurricane Milton passes, FDOT will inspect all Tampa Bay area bridges to ensure their safety before reopening them to the public. For real-time updates on bridge closures and openings, visit www.FL511.com.
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