Boaters and maritime navigators traveling through the Treasure Coast should prepare for significant waterway disruptions in Fort Pierce this August. The U.S. Coast Guard has officially authorized a temporary schedule change for the old North Causeway Bridge to accommodate ongoing demolition efforts. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, these closures are a critical phase of the region’s broader Bridge Replacement Project.
While vehicle traffic is already flowing smoothly over the newly constructed E.C. Summerlin Family Bridge, which officially opened to the public on May 15, marine crews are now shifting their focus to dismantling the old infrastructure. The current demolition specifically targets the old bascule bridge—a traditional drawbridge structure featuring a counterbalanced lever system designed to operate like a seesaw.
The temporary maritime schedule will heavily impact the channel under the old North Causeway Bridge in early August, featuring a continuous multi-day closure followed by daily partial obstructions to allow demolition crews to safely remove the decommissioned structure.
To ensure safety during the demolition phase, the channel will experience varying levels of obstruction. Boaters who frequently navigate the Fort Pierce waters must adjust their travel plans according to the following Coast Guard and Florida Department of Transportation schedule:
- Monday, August 3 to Thursday, August 6: Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday and lasting until 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, the channel will be fully obstructed. During this extended period, the drawbridge will not open for any marine traffic.
- Thursday, August 6: From 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the channel will experience partial obstructions, with one specific two-hour window of complete obstruction. The waterway will fully reopen to boaters after 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 7: Marine traffic will again face partial obstructions from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., which includes another two-hour full obstruction period. Normal access will resume after 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 8: The final day of the temporary schedule will mirror the previous days, featuring partial obstructions from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., alongside a two-hour full obstruction. After 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the temporary schedule changes will officially conclude.
With the new, state-of-the-art bridge already servicing Fort Pierce commuters, the removal of the old North Causeway Bridge marks a major milestone for local Treasure Coast infrastructure. Mariners are strongly urged to plan their routes accordingly during this first week of August to avoid unexpected delays on the water.
