2nd Avenue Bridge Stuck In The Up Position

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The 2nd Avenue bridge used by drivers and pedestrians to cross over the Miami River from Brickell to Downtown Miami was stuck in an upright position.

"It could be many things. It could be mechanical, it could be electrical," said Dennis Fernandez, Chief for Roadway, Bridge, and Canal Maintenance for the Florida Department of Transportation. "Still haven't determined if it's hydraulic, which would be mechanical, or an electrical issue."

This is the 3rd version of the bridge and opened in 2003. There have been no major issues before this.

TRAFFIC ALERT: The Brickell Bridge is in the up position while repairs are being made. Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/Osj0wOAThv

— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) September 25, 2019

"It's not like a fixed bridge," said Fernandez. "A lot of stuff can go wrong."

As expected, some people who work in the Brickell or downtown Miami area struggled to get to work this morning.
Ram Luiscarrabeo, who works in Brickell and takes the bus across the bridge, said his commute tripled.

Others like Douglas Mathis who lives downtown and works in Brickell didn't even notice.

"I usually use the MetroRail or TriRail or a scooter," said Mathis.

As for when the bridge will be back open, no word yet. Commissioner Eileen Higgens said on Twitter that an expert was being flown in on Wednesday morning to help.