Sunshine Skyway Bridge Closed Because Of Hurricane Ian's Winds: FHP

FLORIDA — With winds caused by Hurricane Ian ranging from 50 to 60 mph, the Florida Highway Patrol closed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in both directions Wednesday morning, the agency said.

The four-lane cable-stayed concrete bridge with northbound and southbound lanes is part of I-275 and U.S. Highway 19. It connects Pinellas and Manatee counties. The bridge closes when there are maximum sustained winds of 40 mph or higher.

The bridge will remain closed until Ian passes and the inclement weather subsides, FHP said.

• Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

Drivers who need to travel Wednesday and Thursday should check the availability of their planned route here, the agency added.

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