2008
AP-LS Conference
Jacksonville, Florida
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JACKSONVILLE'S
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When you saw that the conference theme involved a bridge, did you ask yourself, "Why?" Then, when you read that the bridge logo was intended to reflect "Jacksonville's famous bridges," did you think, "What bridges?" If so, this page is for you! Here you will find information about the seven vehicle bridges that cross the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. In fact, Jacksonville is nicknamed, "The River City" because the St. Johns runs right through downtown and is the gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to the interior of the state of Florida.
Acosta Bridge: Not even fifteen years old, this bridge joined Jacksonville in 1994 in order to replace a center-lift bridge that had been built in 1921. Approximately 33,000 vehicles go across this bridge every day. If you are facing the river in front of the Hyatt lobby, the Acosta will be on your right, the second bridge you see. This is also the bridge that the monorail goes across. Buckman Bridge: This 3.1 mile bridge (Yes, that’s right runners, you could do a full 5K across this bridge!) has been a part of Jacksonville since 1970. The traffic on this bridge is the second highest (after the Fuller Warren) with about 112,000 vehicles every day. You won't be able to see this bridge from the Hyatt. Dames Point Bridge: The official name of this bridge is the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge in honor of one Florida’s former governors, but the Dames Point name is its common name because it crosses the river at the point where wives of sailors would gather to welcome home their husbands in the mid-1800’s. The Dames Point Bridge at a little over 2 miles long is the second longest cable-stayed concrete bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The towers stand 479 feet above water and approximately 31,500 vehicles cross it every day. From our hotel lobby, unfortunately there is no way to see this bridge. Fuller Warren Bridge: Replacing a 1954 drawbridge, the new Fuller Warren Bridge joined the cityscape in 2002 and is Jacksonville’s newest bridge. As the busiest bridge, approximately 172,500 vehicles drive across this 1.64 mile bridge every day including those traveling through the state on Interstate 95. Facing the river in front of the Hyatt lobby, look to your right and this will be the third bridge you see off in the distance. Hart Bridge: The Hart Bridge is named for the founder of Jacksonville. In 1822 he was able to persuade neighbors to join him in donating land on the north bank of the St. Johns River. The resulting 20-block area was the beginning of downtown Jacksonville and the future home of our conference! Facing the river in front of the hotel lobby, the Hart bridge will be the green bridge on your left. Main Street Bridge: Officially this bridge is called the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, but because Main Street goes across it, this 1,900 feet long bridge is always called the Main Street Bridge. This bridge has been opened since 1941 (Jacksonville’s oldest) and has about 31,500 vehicles drive across it each day. When a large boat wants to go under the bridge the entire middle section raises so the boat can pass. Cars are stopped on either side while the boat travels by below. We’ll have a great view of this bridge from the Hyatt. As you stand in front of the Hyatt lobby facing the river, this bridge will be immediately to your right. Matthews Bridge: About 68,000 vehicles every day cross Jacksonville’s second oldest bridge. The 7,275 long cantilever steel truss bridge connects downtown Jacksonville to the Arlington area of Jacksonville. Facing the river in front of the Hyatt lobby, if you look hard you should be able to see two bridges on your left; the second one is the Matthews.
