FLORIDA – OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY (ST LUCIE RIVER) –SR 707 DIXIE HIGHWAY BRIDGE: Temporary Deviation
The U. S. Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation to drawbridge operation regulation, 33 CFR §117.317(d) that governs the SR 707 (Dixie Hwy) Bridge across the Okeechobee Waterway (St. Lucie River), mile 7.5, at Stuart, Florida. This action is necessary to allow the drawbridge to operate on demand as outlined in the Record of Decision for the high-level fixed US1 Roosevelt Bridge which was constructed in 1997. Several complaints were received from mariners regarding the bridge not operating on demand per the mitigation measures stipulated during the permitting of the high-level US1 Roosevelt Bridge. Additionally, this action is necessary to allow the highway bridge to operate in concert with the adjacent railroad bridge due to the anticipated increase in railway activity. Under this temporary deviation, the SR 707 (Dixie Hwy) Bridge shall open on signal; except when the adjacent railroad bridge is in the closed position, the draw need not open. The draw must open immediately upon opening of the railroad bridge to pass all accumulated vessels which request an opening. This temporary deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on August 9, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2023. If you have questions on this rulemaking, call or e-mail Ms. Jennifer Zercher, Bridge Management Specialist, Seventh Coast Guard District, telephone 305-415-6740, email
Jennifer.N.Zercher@uscg.mil
Chart: 11428 LNM: 32/23