Update on Boca Grande Causeway Swing Bridge Construction, GICW Statute Mile 34.5
The old Boca Grande Swing Bridge (Gasparilla Island Swing Bridge) crosses the GICW at statute mile 34.5 in the northern Gasparilla Sound. A new bridge was recently constructed adjacent to the old bridge. The old bridge was removed in February and the channel was closed for week, see /154973. Our thanks to Greg Allard for this update and photo.
Boca Grande Causeway Bridge Construction Update- March 8, 2016 – West Coast of Florida, Statute Mile 34, GIWW
A new swing bridge has been under construction at this location. The new bridge is in operation, and the old bridge’s center span has been removed. The contractors are still on-site, working working to remove the old bridge supports. Current bridge openings are on the hour and half hour, on request.
I telephoned the bridge operator who advised that there has been no “official high water clearance” established for the bridge, but they are “unofficially” saying that it is 22’. I suspect that estimate is based on “low steel”. Because of the nature of this swing bridge, the “high steel” (which can give extra clearance under the center of a bascule bridge) is at the outer ends of the swing bridge; that extra clearance is really not usable with a spring bridge of this type, since it is a variable distance (the bridge support is curved) and it would require passing dangerously close to the bridge’s fender system.
When we passed through, the bridge tender had us use the opening on the north side, since there were two contractors hanging in a bucket under the south span opening (see photo).
Adding to the adventure is that there are NO TIDAL HEIGHT BOARDS in place on the fenders, on either side of the bridge. Curiously, when we called on Channel 9 for an opening, the bridge tender asked how much clearance we needed, which was silly, since we our air-draft was certainly close, and they have established neither an official high water clearance nor have they installed tidal height boards. However, the bridge operator was very helpful and courteous, and readily agreed to open the bridge when we indicated that the clearance was too close. In addition to Channel 9, the operator can be reached by phone at 941-697 2271 (listen for the prompts, and you will be routed directly to the bridge operator.)
Greg Allard
M/V Meander
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Grande Swing Bridge
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Passed through the new bridge on 2/6/2016 and boy what a difference. 22 foot clearance. The bridge tender was very helpful concerning the new bridge.
The “Fire Dog”!!!