Overview Of The Mathews Bridge
The Mathews Bridge, a striking cantilever bridge spanning the St. Johns River, has been a defining feature of Jacksonville's skyline since 1953. With its distinctive steel truss design painted in a memorable burgundy color, the bridge has served as a vital artery connecting downtown Jacksonville with the Arlington area for over seven decades. Rising gracefully over the river, its main span stretches 890 feet, allowing ships to pass beneath while carrying thousands of vehicles daily above.
Engineering Marvel
The Mathews Bridge stands as a testament to mid-20th century engineering prowess. Its cantilever design, though less common in modern bridge construction, demonstrates remarkable durability and engineering foresight. The bridge's main structure consists of:
- Total Length: 7,736 feet
- Main Span: 890 feet
- Channel Clearance: 152 feet high at mid-span
- Width: 58 feet (originally 41 feet, widened in 1985)
- Construction Cost: $11 million (1953)
- Design Type: Steel truss cantilever bridge
Critical Transportation Link
Traffic Flow Benefits
The Mathews Bridge serves as a crucial connector in Jacksonville's transportation network, primarily:
- Linking downtown Jacksonville with Arlington and the Beaches
- Providing direct access to Jacksonville University
- Connecting to Arlington Expressway and Southside corridors
- Supporting the Greater Arlington business district
Commuting Impact
The bridge's strategic position makes it invaluable for daily commuters. For businesses along Atlantic Boulevard and in the Arlington area, the bridge provides essential connectivity that shapes travel patterns throughout the city.
Real-World Commute Examples
For commuters heading to AmeriPro Auto Glass (11221-1 St Johns Industrial Pkwy S), the Mathews Bridge offers significant advantages:
From Downtown Jacksonville:
- Via Mathews Bridge and Arlington Expressway: 15-18 minutes
- Alternative route (via Hart Bridge): 25-30 minutes
- Time saved: 10-12 minutes each way
From Springfield area:
- Via Mathews Bridge: 20-25 minutes
- Alternative route (via I-95 south): 30-35 minutes
- Time saved: 10-15 minutes each way
From Grand Park area:
- Via Mathews Bridge: 25-28 minutes
These time savings become particularly significant during peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:00 PM), when the bridge's multiple lanes help maintain steady traffic flow.
From The Mathews Bridge to our Jacksonville shop -- 15 minutes:
Economic Benefits
The Mathews Bridge has been far more than just a river crossing - it's been a catalyst for growth and development across Jacksonville's eastern sectors. When Jacksonville University established its riverfront campus, the bridge became its lifeline, supporting the institution's growth into a major educational center. Along University Boulevard, what was once sparse development transformed into a vibrant commercial corridor, while the Regency Square area blossomed into a major retail destination. Perhaps most significantly, the bridge helped preserve and reinvigorate historic Arlington, allowing this cherished neighborhood to maintain its character while embracing modern development.
Historical Significance
The bridge's story is deeply intertwined with Jacksonville's post-war expansion. Named after John E. Mathews, a Florida state legislator and Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, the bridge opened in 1953 to meet the growing need for connecting downtown with the emerging Arlington area. At the time of its construction, it was considered a marvel of engineering and a symbol of Jacksonville's modernization.
Construction began in 1950, and the bridge quickly became essential to Jacksonville's eastward expansion. The post-war housing boom in Arlington was largely enabled by the bridge's construction, transforming what had been primarily farmland into thriving suburban communities.
Community Connection
The story of the Mathews Bridge is, in many ways, the story of Arlington itself. Before 1953, Arlington residents faced a challenging daily life - a simple trip downtown meant a long, circuitous journey that made the area feel worlds apart from Jacksonville's center. The bridge changed everything. Almost overnight, Arlington transformed from a quiet, semi-rural area into one of Jacksonville's most desirable residential communities.
This transformation brought with it a wave of positive change. Jacksonville University found its perfect home along the river, bringing educational opportunities and cultural enrichment to the area. New businesses sprang up along Arlington's main arteries, creating jobs and services closer to home. The bridge didn't just connect two pieces of land - it connected communities, opportunities, and futures.
Looking to the Future
As Jacksonville moves forward, the Mathews Bridge continues to adapt and evolve. Recent years have seen thoughtful improvements that honor the bridge's historic character while ensuring it meets modern needs. New lighting systems cast a warm glow over the burgundy steel trusses at night, while updated traffic management systems help thousands of daily commuters move more efficiently.
But perhaps most importantly, the bridge's fundamental role hasn't changed - it remains a crucial piece of Jacksonville's identity and infrastructure. As Arlington and the eastern parts of the city continue to grow and reinvent themselves, the Mathews Bridge stands ready to support new generations of residents, businesses, and dreams. With proper maintenance and care, this historic structure will continue to serve as a vital link in Jacksonville's transportation network for decades to come.
Technical Specifications
For engineers and infrastructure enthusiasts:
- Construction Type: Steel truss cantilever
- Deck Type: Steel grid filled with concrete
- Number of Lanes: 4 (expanded from original 3)
- Foundation: Reinforced concrete piers
- Structural Style: Warren truss design
- Navigation Channel Width: 650 feet
- Daily Traffic Volume: Approximately 60,000 vehicles
The top photo by Nichos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia