Residents and commuters traveling through the Treasure Coast are witnessing significant infrastructural transformations as the Florida Department of Transportation progresses with a major developmental milestone in Fort Pierce. The demolition of the historic old North Causeway Bridge is currently in full swing, making room for modern transportation advancements that will benefit the wider coastal community.
Crews are actively focusing on the meticulous removal of the old bascule bridge piers. These massive, heavy concrete structures situated in the water were historically responsible for bearing the immense weight of the bridge, daily passing traffic, and the mechanical counterweights. To facilitate this complex and essential phase of the Bridge Replacement Project, officials implemented a temporary schedule change for the drawbridge earlier in August.
While locals say goodbye to the aging infrastructure, they can already enjoy the immediate benefits of its replacement. The newly constructed E.C. Summerlin Family Bridge officially opened to the public on May 15 and is fully operational, providing a smoother, safer, and more reliable transit experience over the Intracoastal Waterway.
The ongoing demolition of the old North Causeway Bridge in Fort Pierce paves the way for the extensive Fort Pierce Bridge Replacement Project, an initiative scheduled for completion in late 2027 that will bring enhanced vehicle safety, pedestrian accessibility, and new recreational spaces to Treasure Coast residents.
Looking ahead, the comprehensive Fort Pierce Bridge Replacement Project promises a host of exciting improvements designed to enhance both vehicular transit and active, outdoor recreation. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the finalized project improvements will feature:
- The construction of a state-of-the-art bridge connecting to U.S. 1, which will seamlessly pass over the Florida East Coast Railroad, Old Dixie Highway, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
- The installation of an 8-foot-wide, barrier-protected sidewalk on the bridge’s south side, paired with a 12-foot-wide, barrier-protected, shared-use path on the north side.
- The addition of 7-foot-wide buffered bicycle lanes positioned within the shoulders on both sides of scenic A1A.
- The creation of a 12-foot-wide shared-use path along Old Dixie Highway to easily connect cyclists and pedestrians to the East Coast Greenway.
- The building of a scenic observation deck positioned beneath the west side of the new bridge for locals and visitors to enjoy waterfront views.
- The construction of a brand-new access road running underneath the bridge to better serve local businesses located east of the Florida East Coast Railroad.
- The extension of Juanita Avenue from U.S. 1 to Old Dixie Highway, alongside a new connection between U.S. 1 and Old Dixie Highway along Sunny Lane.
These ambitious infrastructural updates reflect a strong commitment to modernizing the Treasure Coast. For residents in the Vero Beach and immediate Indian River County areas who frequently commute or enjoy weekend trips south to Fort Pierce, the E.C. Summerlin Family Bridge and its surrounding roadway developments represent a fantastic leap forward in regional connectivity and lifestyle enhancement.
