The Florida Department of Transportation has announced the upcoming closure of the King Street Bridge in St. Augustine, marking a significant step forward in the long-planned rehabilitation of the aging structure.
The bridge, which spans the San Sebastian River, will close beginning Monday, April 13, and is expected to remain shut for approximately seven months.
FDOT officials say the extended closure is necessary to safely complete critical work, though the timeline could change depending on weather and other unforeseen factors.
During the closure, motorists will be detoured along U.S. 1 and Malaga Street to reconnect with King Street.
A temporary traffic signal has already been installed at that intersection to help manage the expected increase in traffic and improve safety along the detour route.
Drivers are urged to follow posted signs and allow extra travel time while the bridge is closed.
FDOT had considered a full replacement of the bridge, which would have required shutting it down for at least a year.
That project, initially slated to begin last summer, did not materialize.
An agency spokesperson told The Citizen Tuesday that the bridge was determined to be structurally sound and did not need complete replacement.
“It’s built to last and will serve the community for years to come,” said Jacob Pickering, a FDOT representative. “It’s safe.”
