Gandy Bridge Open

Update Aug. 2, 11:58 a.m.: The Tampa Police Department reports that the bridge is now open to traffic in both directions. Westshore, however, remains flooded in some areas.

Update Aug. 2, 11:21 a.m.: The Tampa Police Department has announced that the Gandy Bridge is open to eastbound traffic, but motorists are being detoured before Westshore. Westbound Gandy is still closed.

Update Aug. 2, 9:20 a.m.: The Tampa Police Department has reported the Gandy is closed to traffic once again.

Update Aug. 2: The Tampa Police Department reports the Gandy Bridge has reopened to traffic.

Earlier:

As heavy rains continue to drench the Tampa Bay area, motorists will find the Gandy Bridge off limits.

The Tampa Police Department announced just after 11 p.m. Saturday that the bridge was closed to traffic due to flooding at Westshore Boulevard.

“You will not be able to enter or exit Tampa from the Gandy Bridge,” the agency wrote in an email to media. ”The roadways are heavily flooded in South Tampa. We are asking drivers to avoid the roadways.”

Other roads that are closed at this time include:

• U.S. 41/50th Street – This road is anticipated to remain close throughout Saturday night both north and southbound at Adamo Drive due to flooding.
• East and westbound Hillsborough Avenue is closed near the Veterans Expressway due to flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties until 8 p.m. Sunday. Strong rain chances are anticipated at least through Monday.

It is unclear at this time how long the bridge and local roads will remain closed.

Patch file photo