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Mathews Bridge Jacksonville

4.5

·175 reviews·Jacksonville, United States

A historic maroon cantilever bridge in Jacksonville, famous for its pop culture ties to Limp Bizkit.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise mornings

Golden hour glow

CrowdLow

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Mathews Bridge Jacksonville

Best Time

Sunrise mornings

Golden hour glow

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic maroon cantilever bridge in Jacksonville, famous for its pop culture ties to Limp Bizkit.

4.5

(175 reviews)

"Drive over the Mathews Bridge, where John Otto will take you 'Limp Bizkit style'!"

TIP

🚗 Drive Over It

Experience the bridge firsthand by driving across it. Many visitors reference this as the primary way to see it.

🎶 Limp Bizkit Fan Stop

If you're a fan, embrace the 'Limp Bizkit style' and reference John Otto!

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 175 reviews

Address

Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32206, USA

Website

coj.net/departments/sheriffs-office/patrol-division/mathews-bridge-closure

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Maroon Structure

St. Johns River, Jacksonville

Admire the distinctive maroon color and cantilever design of this historic 1953 bridge.

Limp Bizkit Pilgrimage

Mathews Bridge

Experience the bridge that inspired Limp Bizkit's iconic song and lyrics. A must for fans!

St. Johns River Views

From the bridge or nearby viewpoints

Enjoy scenic vistas of the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville skyline from this vantage point.

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Bridge Aesthetics & Functionality

The Mathews Bridge, a maroon cantilever bridge built in 1953, is a significant landmark in Jacksonville, Florida. It connects downtown to Arlington, spanning the St. Johns River. While functional, its unique color and structure make it a visually interesting point of interest for visitors and locals alike.

Limp Bizkit & Pop Culture

This bridge gained significant pop culture recognition thanks to the band Limp Bizkit's song. Many visitors are drawn to it as a pilgrimage site, referencing lyrics and music videos. Be prepared for references to 'John Otto' and 'flying Limp Bizkit style.'

Best Times

When

Sunrise mornings

Why

Golden hour glow

Crowd

Low

When

Evening drives

Why

City lights sparkle

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Driving through Jacksonville and asked myself is Matthew’s bridge real? And yup. It is. #matthewsbridge #jacksonville #florida #beansra #limpbizkit

@beansra87

66 likes • 869 views

🚗 Drive Over It

Experience the bridge firsthand by driving across it. Many visitors reference this as the primary way to see it. +1

🎶 Limp Bizkit Fan Stop

If you're a fan, embrace the 'Limp Bizkit style' and reference John Otto! +1

Mathews Looking at the Mathews bridge from Arlington. #jacksonville #florida #duval #onlyinjax #hiddenjacksonville

@shaneroheu

949 likes • 10.2K views

The John E. Mathews Bridge, the maroon bridge crossing the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, spans 1.47 miles in length and facilitates traffic between downtown and Arlington areas. 🌁 It was built in 1953—a cantilever type that employs trusses for stronger support. This structure is aesthetically pleasing and functional! What do you think? 💎 📍 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32206

explorejacksonville

2.7K likes • 143.2K views

📸 Capture the Color

The bridge's unique maroon color is a great photo opportunity, especially during sunrise.

🌉 Bridge Views

See it from Arlington for a different perspective, especially during the day.

The Mathews Bridge, constructed in 1953, is one of seven major bridges in Jacksonville, Florida. It serves as the primary crossing over the Saint John's River. City of seven bridges. #jacksonville #downtown #duval #river #florida #fypシ#reelsvideoシ#followers #vlog #travel #followerseveryone @highlight

pinaydiva_420

5 likes • 118 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Over It

Experience the bridge firsthand by driving across it. Many visitors reference this as the primary way to see it. +1

🎶 Limp Bizkit Fan Stop

If you're a fan, embrace the 'Limp Bizkit style' and reference John Otto! +1

📸 Capture the Color

The bridge's unique maroon color is a great photo opportunity, especially during sunrise.

🌉 Bridge Views

See it from Arlington for a different perspective, especially during the day.

What Travellers Say

4.5

(175 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Mathews Bridge is celebrated for its distinctive maroon color and its iconic status in pop culture, particularly for Limp Bizkit fans. While primarily a functional bridge, its historical significance and the unique 'pilgrimage' aspect draw visitors. Some find the references to the song a bit quirky, but overall, it's seen as a recognizable Jacksonville landmark.

"One of the greatest engineering feats of its time and hasn't had any major issues since its opening in 1953, April 15th as it deals with its actual foundation or construction.It took just over three years of construction till opening which in that era of history was quite fast. Named after a state legislator John E Mathews who also served as a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and was one of the main contributors to its securing of funding to be built. Only one major incident which caused a one month repair due to a military ship USNS Harry L. Martin slightly colliding into it has caused concerns with stability and in 2007 the bridge deck was upgraded from grating to concrete. A landmark that has surpassed many doubters and is a major traffic relieve with access from downtown Jacksonville to Arlington and East Jacksonville."

Robert J D Trego

"YOO!! such a sick place! my homie john otto took me to the mathews bridge because a guy named fred to john to take us (me and some friends) to the mathews bridge and we ate chocolate star fish and drank hot dog flavored water! 50/10 would reccomend for my genoration!! but you can only fly limp bizkit style to get there. AND ASK JOHN OTTO HE WILL ONLY TAKE YOU!!!"

allie davenport

"John, my tour guide told me to jump in the water and try not to get any into your mouth. I should have listened because the water tasted like hotdogs. I love hotdogs."

Muhmad

What People Like

Distinctive maroon color

Limp Bizkit connection

Historic landmark

What People Dislike

Quirky song references

Limited visitor amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mathews Bridge is easily accessible by car, connecting downtown Jacksonville with the Arlington area via the Arlington Expressway. Many visitors simply drive over it as part of their exploration of the city. +1

While direct public transport to the bridge itself might be limited, Jacksonville's public transit system can get you to areas near the bridge, from where you can access it by car or a short walk. Check with the JTA (Jacksonville Transportation Authority) for routes.

Driving across the bridge offers a direct experience. For scenic views, consider viewpoints from the Arlington side or along the St. Johns River.

Yes, the Mathews Bridge is one of several major bridges in Jacksonville, including the Hart Bridge, which also spans the St. Johns River.

Pedestrian and bicycle access on major bridges like the Mathews Bridge can be restricted for safety. It's best to confirm current regulations with local authorities or plan to view it from a vehicle or designated viewpoint.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit or drive across the Mathews Bridge. It's a public thoroughfare.

As a public bridge, the Mathews Bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic.

There is no entrance fee or toll to cross the Mathews Bridge.

The primary restriction is for vehicular traffic. Large trucks or oversized loads may have specific regulations. Pedestrian access is generally not recommended for safety.

The Mathews Bridge was constructed in 1953, making it a historic landmark in Jacksonville. +1

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Great photo opportunities exist from the Arlington side, offering a full view of the maroon structure. Sunrise and sunset also provide beautiful lighting. +1

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. Always check for restricted airspace before flying, especially near bridges and waterways.

The bridge is known for its distinctive maroon color, which makes it a visually striking landmark against the Jacksonville skyline.

While driving across, you get glimpses of the skyline. For more expansive views, consider approaching from downtown or specific riverfront parks.

Sunrise offers beautiful golden hour light, while evenings provide a backdrop of city lights.

🎫 🎶 Pop Culture & History

It's famously referenced in the Limp Bizkit song 'Take It All,' making it a point of interest for fans of the band and 90s/2000s nu-metal. +2

John Otto is a character referenced in Limp Bizkit's song, often depicted as the person who 'takes you to the Mathews Bridge.' He's become a bit of a cult figure for fans. +2

Built in 1953, it's a cantilever bridge named after Florida legislator John E. Mathews. It was a significant engineering feat for its time. +2

The bridge had a minor collision with a military ship in 2007, which required repairs. It's generally considered structurally sound.

This phrase is a playful reference to the band's lyrics and music videos, suggesting a dramatic or adventurous approach to reaching the bridge. +1