Longboat Pass Bascule Bridge

Longboat Pass Bridge: Essential Facts and Visitor Guide

The Longboat Pass Bridge is a vital connection between two popular Florida destinations: Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach. This single-leaf bascule bridge spans across the beautiful Longboat Pass, a natural channel between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Built in 1957, the bridge carries Gulf of Mexico Drive, which is part of State Road 789, making it an essential link for residents, tourists, and businesses on both Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.

Over the years, the Longboat Pass Bridge has facilitated travel and commerce in the region, providing easy access to some of Florida's most stunning landscapes and beaches. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is responsible for maintaining and overseeing the structure, ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of this critical transportation artery. As with many aging infrastructures, the Longboat Pass Bridge requires constant attention and faces potential replacement in the future.

Looking ahead, the FDOT is actively studying and planning for the eventual need to replace or rehabilitate the Longboat Pass Bridge. This process involves considering a variety of factors, including community needs, environmental impacts, and the long-term sustainability of the bridge. By engaging with local stakeholders and residents, FDOT aims to continue providing uninterrupted connectivity between Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach, and the surrounding communities in the years to come.

History and Overview

The Longboat Pass Bridge is a significant structure that connects Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach in Florida. This single-leaf bascule bridge was built in 1957 and replaced an older swing bridge that was constructed back in 1921¹. The Longboat Pass Bridge carries the Gulf of Mexico Drive, which is also a part of State Road 789².

Located in Manatee County, this bridge has a total length of approximately three-quarters of a mile³. Its main span comprises a metal variable depth deck girder, while the approach spans consist of pre-stressed concrete stringer beams⁴. Originally built to last 50 years, the bridge underwent a significant rehabilitation in 2005 to ensure its longevity⁵.

As a drawbridge, the Longboat Pass Bridge receives regular maintenance from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) teams who perform weekly checks and greasing to keep the structure functioning smoothly⁶. This vital connection between Longboat Key and the mainland continues to serve the community, providing residents and visitors alike with easy access to the beautiful beaches and tropical landscapes of Florida's Gulf Coast.

Bridge and Channel Specifications

The Longboat Pass Bascule Bridge is located on FL-789 (Gulf of Mexico Drive), connecting Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key near the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway (GIWW) Mile Marker 85. This metal, single-leaf bascule bridge provides a vital transportation link to the surrounding communities.

The vertical clearance of the bridge, when closed, is 17 feet, while the horizontal clearance in the center span is 45 feet. The bridge is designed to open on signal, allowing boats and other water traffic to pass through without much delay.

Navigating the bridge and the channel leading to it requires the use of NOAA Chart 11425. The New Pass Inlet, located in Sarasota, FL, is an important point of access from the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay. The inlet's channel depth ranges from four to seven feet, and while it is sometimes prone to shifting, it is generally safe and reliable in most conditions.

As for maintenance, the Longboat Pass Bridge was built in 1957 and designed to last for 50 years. Considering its age, maintenance needs may be more critical at this point in its lifespan, and efforts should be made to ensure the safety and functionality of the bridge.

Another nearby transportation route is the Cortez Bridge, which is situated at the north end of Longboat Key and connects to Coquina Beach via North Shore Road. The bridge improvements and maintenance projects in the area aim to provide locals and visitors with improved transportation options and secure access to popular destinations on the Florida West Coast.

Schedule and Operations

The Longboat Pass Bridge is a single-leaf bascule bridge that connects Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach, Florida, and carries Gulf of Mexico Drive, which is part of SR 789. It plays a vital role in allowing traffic to and from Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key near GIWW Mile Marker 85¹. When it comes to its schedule, the bridge operates on an "opens on signal" basis², making it convenient for passing boats.

The bridge is designed to accommodate both vehicular and marine traffic, with a closed vertical clearance of 17 feet and a horizontal clearance of 45 feet in the center span³. These specifications help ensure that various sizes of boats can safely navigate through the Longboat Pass channel under the bridge.

It is essential to note that the bridge schedule might be subject to temporary changes due to repairs, maintenance, events, or other factors⁴. Therefore, it is advisable for boaters to check the Waterway Explorer for possible navigation alerts before planning a trip through the area.

Constructed in 1957 to replace an old swing bridge from 1921⁵, the Longboat Pass Bridge is well maintained. The Florida Department of Transportation conducts weekly maintenance to ensure the smooth functioning of the bridge and its bascule mechanism⁶.

To summarize, the Longboat Pass Bridge's schedule and operations revolve around an opens-on-signal system, which benefits marine traffic in the area while also accommodating vehicular traffic. As a vital connection between Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach, the bridge is regularly maintained, ensuring that both marine and land-based travelers can rely on its efficient functioning.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Future Projects

The Longboat Pass Bridge, connecting Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key on State Road 789, has undergone several maintenance and repair processes in recent years. In 2019, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spent $5.3 million on repairs to the bridge. These repairs included deck repairs, concrete superstructure and substructure repairs, and steel painting. The entire repair process was overseen by the contractor, Southern Road & Bridge.

To ensure the Longboat Pass Bridge remains safe and functional for commuters, FDOT follows a project development and environment (PD&E) study. This study evaluates the potential social, economic, natural, and physical environmental impacts associated with the proposed improvements and repairs for the bridge. Any project initiated by the FDOT is in accordance with Florida laws and regulations, ensuring the preservation of the surrounding area's natural resources.

An interesting aspect of the 2019 repair project was the need to account for the habitat of a colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats inhabiting the expansion joints of the bridge. Florida law prohibits harm to bats, so FDOT used exclusion devices to ensure the bats were not harmed during the repair process.

While the Longboat Pass Bridge has received significant repairs, there may be a need for more substantial long-term improvements to accommodate increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. One potential solution being discussed is the construction of a high-level fixed bridge as a replacement for the existing Longboat Pass Bascule Bridge. This type of bridge would eliminate the need for a drawbridge, allowing for uninterrupted vehicle and pedestrian flow.

In summary, the Longboat Pass Bridge has undergone extensive maintenance and repairs to ensure safety and functionality. The FDOT continues to work on future improvements and projects, such as the potential high-level fixed bridge, while following Florida laws and environmental regulations to protect the area's natural resources and wildlife.

Navigational Information

The Longboat Pass Bridge spans the Longboat Pass, connecting Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach in Florida. This single-leaf bascule bridge carries Gulf of Mexico Drive, which is part of SR 789, and was built in 1957 to replace an old swing bridge from 1921 ¹.

According to the Waterway Guide, the Longboat Pass Bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 17.00 ft and a horizontal clearance of 45.00 ft. Boaters can refer to NOAA Chart 11425 for detailed information on navigating this area.

When it comes to bridge operations, the Longboat Pass Bridge opens on signal, ensuring smooth passage for vessels. Communication with bridge tenders can typically be done via VHF channel.

For those with sailboats, the bridge's clearances should suit most standard sailing designs. However, it is essential to measure your sailboat's mast height and calculate if it will safely pass under the bridge at its closed vertical clearance.

New Pass, located nearby, offers an alternate route for navigation but may not be suitable for all vessels due to its constantly shifting sandbars. Boaters should exercise caution and consult the most recent charts, local information, or USCG Notice to Mariners updates.

Finally, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mainly focuses on land-based infrastructure, it is essential to consider any accessibility requirements when planning your boating activities around the Longboat Pass Bridge and its surrounding areas.

Recreational Amenities

Longboat Pass Bridge offers a variety of recreational amenities for visitors and locals to enjoy. One such activity is fishing at the nearby fishing pier. The Longboat Key Pass area provides opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to engage in light tackle fishing and natural wildlife viewing.

Another popular attraction near the Longboat Pass Bridge is Coquina Beach. This beach is part of a larger park and provides a picturesque setting for a day in the sun. The white sandy beach offers ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking, as well as a variety of trails and bicycle paths for those who prefer a more active outing.

To accommodate beach-goers and other visitors to the area, public parking is available near the Longboat Pass Bridge and Coquina Beach. This ensures that your visit to the area is hassle-free, allowing you to focus on the activities and natural beauty of the surroundings. However, during peak times, parking may be limited, so it's best to arrive early or utilize alternative transportation options when possible.

Lastly, Drayton Saunders is a notable figure in the area surrounding Longboat Pass Bridge. Dr. Saunders is a successful businessman and philanthropist, contributing to many local projects and organizations. While Drayton Saunders is not specifically associated with the recreational opportunities near Longboat Pass Bridge, his influence is evident in the vibrant, thriving community that exists in the area today.

In sum, Longboat Pass Bridge and its surrounding area offer numerous recreational amenities for visitors to enjoy, ranging from fishing and beach activities to scenic trails suitable for biking or hiking.

User Reviews and Feedback

Visitors and locals who use the Longboat Pass Bascule Bridge to travel between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key have provided various reviews and feedback on this bridge. The bridge, located near GIWW Mile Marker 85, has a closed vertical clearance of 17 feet and 45 feet of horizontal clearance in the center span¹.

Many boaters have highlighted the narrow nature of the bridge and the strong tidal currents during ebb tides. To deal with these conditions, users recommend timing passages for slack water². Furthermore, some boaters have observed that the bridge tenders can be reluctant to open the bridge until the vessel is in close proximity to avoid disrupting traffic³.

Overall, the Longboat Pass Bridge serves as a vital connection between the two islands, despite having been originally built to last only 50 years in 1957⁴. It's clear that the bridge is in need of eventual replacement, though this might take more than a decade⁵. While it currently stands, the user feedback underscores the importance of careful navigation, especially for boaters, to ensure a smooth and safe passage through the Longboat Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bridge to Longboat Key open?

Yes, the Longboat Pass Bridge is currently open for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

How long is Longboat Pass Bridge?

The Longboat Pass Bridge spans across the Longboat Pass, but its exact length is not readily available in the search results provided.

When was Longboat Pass Bridge built?

The Longboat Pass Bridge was built in 1957, replacing an old swing bridge that was constructed in 1921.

How deep is Longboat Pass?

Information regarding the exact depth of Longboat Pass is not available in the search results provided. The depth will vary due to tides and other factors.

What is the clearance height of Longboat Pass Bridge?

The clearance height of Longboat Pass Bridge is not mentioned in the search results provided. Please refer to local signage, nautical charts, or the local authorities for accurate information on clearance height.

Are there pedestrian walkways on Longboat Pass Bridge?

Yes, Longboat Pass Bridge offers walkways for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the bridge safely.