Traffic on Jacksonville’s Buckman Bridge was significantly impacted Monday morning following a reported crash, prompting delays and prompting users to seek alternative routes. Initial reports indicated a potential pile-up, but details remained limited for a period of time as authorities responded to the scene.
The incident occurred on the southbound lanes of the Shands Bridge, officially known as the John E. Mathews Jr. Bridge, a major thoroughfare connecting Jacksonville’s Southside with the city’s core. Drivers reported experiencing substantial backups, with some turning to navigation apps like Waze for real-time updates and detour suggestions. The Florida Department of Transportation’s Smartway website provides real-time traffic information for the Jacksonville area, including incident reports and live traffic camera feeds, but specific details regarding the crash were initially sparse.
Reports of a Multi-Vehicle Incident
Early reports, circulating on social media and through Waze, suggested a multi-vehicle collision. Waze users reported a “pile-up” on the southbound side of the bridge, but the exact number of vehicles involved and the extent of any injuries were not immediately clear. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has not yet released an official statement detailing the specifics of the incident as of 11:30 AM EST on March 23, 2026.
Navigating around the incident proved challenging for commuters. Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation app, allows users to report accidents, traffic jams, and other road hazards. According to Waze’s help documentation, users can report crashes by tapping the “Report” button within the app and using voice commands or selecting from a list of incident types, such as “Crash,” “Pile-up,” or “Other side.” These reports are then added to the map to alert other drivers.
How to Report Incidents on Waze
The Waze platform relies on user-submitted reports to provide up-to-date traffic information. Users can report incidents in real-time, and the app prioritizes reports submitted closest to the actual location of the event. Waze also has mechanisms to filter out excessive or potentially inaccurate reporting to maintain the reliability of the information. The app saves location data even if internet connectivity is lost, submitting the report automatically once a connection is re-established.
For those seeking alternative routes or more detailed traffic information, the Smartway website (https://smartway.tn.gov/traffic) offers a comprehensive view of traffic conditions in the Jacksonville area, including live streaming traffic cameras. Drivers can also utilize other navigation apps, such as Google Maps, to find alternative routes and estimated travel times.
As of this writing, the full extent of the impact on traffic flow remains unclear. Authorities are working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic patterns. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and allow for extra travel time if using the Buckman Bridge.
The situation is evolving, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed by checking traffic apps, local news sources, and the Smartway website for the latest information.
What to expect next is continued monitoring of traffic conditions and potential updates from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office regarding the cause of the crash and any injuries sustained. Please share this information with anyone who may be affected by the delays, and feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
