INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Authorities closed the Merrill P. Barber Bridge and Alma Lee Loy Bridge in both directions Wednesday evening in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. Law enforcement officials shut down east and westbound lanes on the bridges about 6:45 p.m., said Kelsea Callahan, a spokesperson for the Vero Beach Police Department.
“Due to safety concerns related to flooding and downed power lines, the Barber and 17th Street bridges are temporarily closed,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement. “First responders are assessing damage and assisting with any necessary evacuations. Please avoid the area and allow emergency crews to work.”
Police said only first responders will cross the bridges. Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers earlier said the bridges would close when sustained wind gusts reach 45 mph.
The Wabasso Bridge remains open, said Sgt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Hurricane Milton was expected to slam Florida’s Gulf Coast sometime Wednesday evening and continue pushing toward the east coast. Milton, a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph maximum sustained winds, was traveling northeast at 15 mph, according to a 6 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center.
This story will be updated.
