Florida Keys Real Estate Blog

Jewfish Creek Bridge Opens!

For many years, when you were entering or exiting the Florida Keys on a sunny Saturday or Sunday you might have noticed a traffic back up for miles when the Jewfish Creek Bridge was raised to allow boats through.  Now that back up will not be from the bridge being raised, it will be from the travelers who are gawking at the incredible view - in all directions - from the top of the bridge. 

Located at the southern end of the 18 mile stretch, at Mile Marker 107, is the Jewfish Creek Bridge. The original drawbridge was built in 1944 and is 223' long. The new bridge is a 65 foot high fixed bridge that spans Jewfish Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway.  The construction began on the new bridge in early 2005, and although the entire project is estimated for completion in early 2009, the new bridge was opened to traffic on Thursday, May 23, 2008. 

Our first trip over the new bridge was as we headed to Miami on Friday afternoon of Memorial Day Weekend around 3 PM, and although we did not have any back up going out of the Keys, there was a long line of traffic headed into the Keys.  This back up was not from the bridge going up, since that is no longer a factor, but it was backed up from travelers slowing down to take their first look at the view from the top.  And what a view it is.

As you get to the top of the new Jewfish Creek Bridge you can see "forever" or so it seems.  The ocean on one side and Florida Bay on the other. The wait and the hassles of construction for the past 3 years was worth it when you get to the top and look around. 

Judge for yourself!  Take a look around - but don't slow down too much - keep on moving and know that the paradise awaits you on the other side of the bridge.