Councilmembers looking into bridge safety concerns after 2 vehicles fly off bridge onto I-95 over 2-year span

A Jacksonville overpass that’s had two vehicles go over it in about two years is now under a microscope.

Dash camera video showed a pickup truck crashing onto Interstate 95 after plummeting from the Clark Road bridge on Sunday, just north of Zoo Parkway.

The driver survived and spoke with News4JAX on Monday. He said he’s blessed to be alive.

“Wound up with a broken nose and that’s about it. Got lucky with God’s grace,” said driver Keith Dowling, who said he has no idea why he lost control. “As much traffic comes up and down this road, I’m really blessed.”

This isn’t the first time a vehicle has gone over the bridge.

In October 2021, 31-year-old Sean Tumlin and his daughter Grace, 3, died when their SUV went over. His 8-year-old daughter was also seriously hurt.

MORE: Mother heartbroken after losing fiancé, 3-year-old daughter in I-95 crash

With two crashes in about two years, many are worried the bridge isn’t safe. News4JAX took those concerns to the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Jacksonville and the councilman who represents the district, Reggie Gaffney Jr.

District 8 councilmember Gaffney said he’s now looking into the issue after he learned about the crashes.

FDOT said the state owns and inspects the Clark Road bridge but the city maintains it.

“FDOT reviews all reported crashes on state roadways and interstates – a special emphasis is placed on fatalities. If there are improvements that can be made to enhance the safety of the facilities, FDOT will work to implement the improvements,” an FDOT spokesperson said in a statement.

RELATED: Video shows truck driving off overpass at I-95 and Clark Road Sunday morning

The federal government keeps the records on the 63-year-old structure. A 2021 report notes the railings do not meet currently accepted standards and transitions to the bridge are also not acceptable. However, the overall bridge condition is listed as “Good.”

News4JAX also spoke with city council member Ju’Coby Pittman who is chair of the transportation committee. She said she too is looking into safety concerns.

The city did not immediately respond to questions.

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