Treasure Coast commuters and local residents have a major reason to celebrate this week. The highly anticipated A1A North Causeway Bridge in Fort Pierce is officially opening to vehicular traffic this Friday at 8:00 a.m., weather permitting. Designed to alleviate long-standing traffic bottlenecks, this infrastructure milestone promises a smoother, safer commute for drivers navigating between A1A and U.S. 1 in St. Lucie County.
The $117 million A1A North Causeway Bridge project eliminates the previous drawbridge and railroad crossings, providing an uninterrupted, elevated connection that stands as the tallest bridge of its kind south of Jacksonville.
Constructed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) beginning in 2023, the new bridge is a massive upgrade for the region. Previously, motorists frequently dealt with daily delays caused by the aging drawbridge and active railroad crossings. By removing these operational obstacles, the new traffic pattern will significantly improve daily travel efficiency for locals and visitors alike.
While the main roadway is now ready for vehicles, FDOT officials note that the overarching project is not entirely finished. Crews will continue working while traffic flows overhead to complete several community-enhancing features. Upcoming additions to the site include:
- A 300-foot scenic observation deck situated directly beneath the bridge structure.
- 12-foot-wide shared pathways specifically designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
- A future connection to the East Coast Greenway Trail, fulfilling what project engineers describe as a vital missing active-transit link in St. Lucie County.
Senior Project Engineer Bill Stuckey emphasized that this dedicated space for non-motorized traffic is a major safety benefit over the former drawbridge, ensuring comprehensive accessibility for everyone on the road. FDOT Senior Project Manager Joshua Baker also praised the final design, noting the completed structure is both highly functional and visually striking.
As vehicular traffic shifts to the new elevated span, the old Fort Pierce drawbridge will be permanently closed starting Friday. Complete demolition of the former structure is expected to conclude by late 2027, officially marking the end of an era and the beginning of modernized coastal transit for the Treasure Coast.
