For Immediate Release
August 31, 2023
*PHOTO RELEASE*
FDOT Opens I-10 Within 12 Hours of Landfall
All state-owned bridges have been inspected and cleared including S.R. 24 into
Cedar Key
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Through immediate recovery efforts within the first day, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has reopened the majority of all state-owned roads and bridges following Hurricane Idalia, including Interstate 10 (I-10) in Madison County, and State Road (S.R.) 24, which leads to Cedar Key. All state-owned bridges have been inspected and cleared for travel.
FDOT’s teams worked tirelessly to clear a 15-mile stretch of I-10 in Madison County that was significantly littered with debris and downed trees. Based on reports from the field, it’s estimated there were over 10,000 downed trees of varying sizes along the 15-mile stretch of I-10. FDOT deployed 27 four-person crews once winds subsided to cut and toss and remove debris from the travel lanes. Those teams were able to clear all travel lanes and reopen I-10 by 7:00 p.m. yesterday – within 12 hours of beginning operations.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our FDOT team has accomplished in the past 24 hours to ensure roads and bridges are safe for travel,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Thanks to the leadership and decisive direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, FDOT was able to quickly deploy 700 crew members and staff our Department’s emergency operations centers across Florida to bring a sense of normalcy to all impacted communities and provide access for first responders, utility restoration, and necessary supply deliveries.”
The bridge to Cedar Key on State Road 24 was completely submerged following Hurricane Idalia’s landfall. FDOT bridge inspectors were deployed immediately following the storm and determined the bridge was structurally sound and passable. Residents should continue to follow the guidance of local emergency and law enforcement personnel as they begin to return home.
FDOT reminds travelers to always drive safely, remain alert, and buckle up. For real time information on Florida’s roads, please visit FL511.com or download the FL511 app.
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www.fdot.gov | Twitter: @MyFDOT | Facebook: @MyFDOT
The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities. The department is committed to building a transportation system that not only fits the current needs of Florida’s residents and visitors but also enhances mobility throughout the state to accommodate its consistent and rapid growth. The unique nature of the Sunshine State and its year-round warm climate provides numerous opportunities to achieve the department’s mission through multiple transportation modes including highways/streets, air, rail, sea, spaceports, transit, and the ever-expanding deployment of bicycle & pedestrian facilities.