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Smoky conditions force closure of SR-520 in east Orange County

By Gene Saladna, WFTV.com
By Gene Saladna, WFTV.com

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol shut down a stretch of State Road 520 early Tuesday in east Orange County.

Update: 9:30 a.m.

Troopers reopened State Road 520 just after 9 a.m.   

FHP is advising motorists that another closure is possible Tuesday night into Wednesday morning if conditions deteriorate.

Troopers said they plan to closely monitor the roadway and smoke in the area.

Be sure to stay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News on Wednesday morning for the latest news and traffic issues in Central Florida.

Original story:

The Florida Highway Patrol shut down a stretch of State Road 520 early Tuesday in east Orange County.

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Troopers responded to the area of James Creek Road in Christmas around 3 a.m. and soon after, blocked access to SR 520.

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FHP said that smoke from a 75-acre prescribed burn conducted on Monday led to visibility issues overnight.

As. of 8:30 a.m., all eastbound and westbound lanes of SR 520 remained closed between State Road 528 and Nova Road.

Troopers said that they would continue to monitor conditions, and open the roadway when safe it was for motorists.

Drone 9 has been flying over the area for hours, keeping an eye on conditions as well.

SR 520 closure in east Orange County A prescribed burn forced the closure of State Road 520 in east Orange County Tuesday morning. (WFTV Staff)

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As the sun rose, a blanket of smoke could be seen over the roadway.

SR-520 smoke

WFTV traffic anchor Alexa Lorenzo is watching driving conditions to bring you live updates on Eyewitness News This Morning.

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Alternate routes to travel between Orange and Brevard Counties include State Road 50, State Road 528 and U.S. 192.

Stay with WFTV.com for updates on this developing story.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

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