Our thanks to Sue Ward for this report, confirmed by the USCG, on Torry Island Bridge on the OWW. This closure effectively closes the Rim Route and will mean cruisers moving from Florida’s coast to coast must check the weather and plan a lake crossing rather than taking the rim route. With a closed vertical clearance of 11ft, the Torry Bridge spans the Okeechobee at Belle Glade, FL.

3/8/2017 Our thanks to Janice Callum for this update.

Spoke to Aaron Kelly, Army Corps of Eng’s today RE: Point Chosen Bridge (aka Torry Island Bridge) Rim Route, Lake O. Bridge will remain inoperative for at least 3 more weeks. Updates can be obtained from Bridge Tender, 561 996 3844. Plan accordingly to cross Lake O instead.
Janice Callum

And this report from USACE:

The US Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District received word today that Palm Beach County will undertake emergency repairs on the bridge at Torrey Island near Belle Glade.  Operation of the bridge has been suspended, effectively closing Route 2 of the Okeechobee Waterway (also known as the “Rim Canal”) at that location as most boats are too tall to pass under the structure.  We expect that boaters will feel the impacts from this closure for the rest of the month.  The Corps is issuing a notice to navigation on this subject, attached to this note.
Please contact me if you have questions.  Thanks for your help.
JHC
John H Campbell
Public Affairs Specialist
Jacksonville District, US Army Corps of Engineers

FLORIDA – OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY – ST LUCIE INLET TO FORT MYERS – LAKE OKEECHOBEE ROUTE 2: Bridge Closure.

The Point Chosen Swingbridge across Lake Okeechobee Route 2 is closed to navigation. This closure is anticipated to last for three weeks [March 8th] as an emergency water main has been placed across the bridge. This bridge provides a vertical clearance of 11 feet. Vessels with a height of greater than 11 feet should use Lake Okeechobee Route 1 during this time. Chart: 11428

Hi. How do I Put an update for Torry island swing bridge onto the Cruisers net please? I called them just now to ask what delays they have as works on the bridge have been going on for several weeks. The lady I spoke to told me that the swing Bridge at Torry island is closed indefinitely [see LNM above] for the foreseeable future!
The main water supply to the island is running over the bridge currently so it cannot be opened at all. Plan B for anyone thinking of doing the rim route around the Okeechobee lake!
Many thanks
Sue Ward
M/V JennySue

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Torry Island Bridge

Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Torry Island Bridge