New Pass Bascule Bridge

New Pass Bascule Bridge: A Modern Engineering Marvel in Sarasota, Florida

New Pass Bascule Bridge is a major waterway on the west coast of Florida, leading into the city of Sarasota from the Gulf of Mexico. The bridge carries Gulf of Mexico Drive across the pass about one nautical mile in from the entrance. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding area.

The bridge is a drawbridge, also known as a bascule bridge, which means it can be raised and lowered to allow boats and other watercraft to pass through. It was built in 1986, replacing the original 1929 bridge. The bridge is an important connection between Sarasota, Lido Key, and Longboat Key, and is a vital part of the local transportation infrastructure.

Overview

New Pass Bascule Bridge is a significant bridge in Sarasota, Florida, connecting the city to the Gulf of Mexico. This fixed bridge carries Gulf of Mexico Drive across the New Pass waterway, which is an important water thoroughfare on the west coast of Florida. The bridge is located about one nautical mile from the entrance of the pass, and it is an essential link between Sarasota, Lido Key, and Longboat Key.

Location

New Pass Bascule Bridge is located in Sarasota, Florida, which is part of Sarasota County. The bridge is situated on Gulf of Mexico Drive and crosses the New Pass waterway. The bridge is an important link between the city of Sarasota and the Gulf of Mexico.

History

The original New Pass Bridge was built in 1929 and was part of the "Greatest Circle Drive," a scenic drive that circled Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria, Bradenton, and Venice Inlet. The bridge was 874 feet long and 20 feet wide, with a sidewalk on each side. In 1986, the bridge was reconstructed to its present form, replacing the original bridge.

The New Pass Bascule Bridge was designed as a bascule bridge, which means it can be raised to allow boats and ships to pass through. The bridge is operated by the Coast Guard and has a controlling depth of 6 feet. Navigating the bridge requires the use of NOAA Chart 11425, which provides information on the approach channel, buoys, and shifting shoaling.

Over the years, the bridge has undergone several repairs and maintenance work to mitigate the effects of the area's aggressive coastal environment. The bridge is an essential link between the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, and it plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people in the region.

Design

The New Pass Bascule Bridge is a modern bridge that connects Sarasota, Florida, with Lido Key and Longboat Key. It was built in 1986 and replaced the original 1929 bridge. The bridge has a unique design that allows it to lift up and down to allow boats to pass through.

Type

The New Pass Bascule Bridge is a bascule bridge, which means it has a counterweight that helps lift the bridge up and down. The counterweight is located in the bridge tower, which is located on the north side of the bridge.

Vertical Clearance

The vertical clearance of the New Pass Bascule Bridge is 21 feet when the bridge is in the closed position. This is the distance between the water and the bottom of the bridge.

Closed Vertical Clearance

When the bridge is in the open position, the vertical clearance increases to 65 feet. This allows boats to pass through without hitting the bridge.

Cycling

The New Pass Bascule Bridge has a dedicated bike lane that is separated from the main traffic lanes. This makes it safe and easy for cyclists to cross the bridge. The bridge also has a sidewalk on both sides, which is great for pedestrians who want to take in the scenic views of the water.

Sidewalks

The sidewalks on the New Pass Bascule Bridge are wide enough to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge also has benches and rest areas where people can sit and enjoy the view. The bridge also has a fishing pier where people can fish for a variety of fish species.

Overall, the New Pass Bascule Bridge is a well-designed bridge that provides safe and easy access to Sarasota, Lido Key, and Longboat Key. Its unique design allows boats to pass through without any issues, and its bike lane and sidewalks make it easy for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the bridge.

Safety

When it comes to New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida, safety is of utmost importance. The bridge provides a vital connection between Sarasota, Lido Key, and Longboat Key, and is a major water thorofare on the west coast of Florida.

Safe Passage

Navigating the channel under the New Pass Bascule Bridge can be challenging, especially during high winds and heavy currents. Boaters are advised to exercise caution and follow standard navigation rules. The channel is four to seven feet deep and constantly shifting, but it is fairly reliable and safe in most conditions.

Boaters are advised to keep a safe distance from the bridge and to be aware of the bridge's opening schedule. The bridge opens on demand for commercial vessels and every 20 minutes for recreational boats. Boaters should also be aware of the bridge's clearance height of 25 feet when closed and 75 feet when open.

Coast Guard Regulations

The United States Coast Guard has established regulations for the safe passage of vessels under the New Pass Bascule Bridge. These regulations include:

• No vessel shall anchor or moor in the channel under the bridge.
• No vessel shall impede the safe passage of another vessel.
• No vessel shall approach the bridge closer than 100 yards when the bridge is opening or closing.
• No vessel shall proceed through the bridge until it is fully open and the bridge tender signals it is safe to proceed.

Boaters should be aware of these regulations and comply with them to ensure safe passage under the New Pass Bascule Bridge.

In conclusion, safety is a top priority when navigating under the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida. Boaters should exercise caution, follow standard navigation rules, and comply with Coast Guard regulations to ensure safe passage through the channel.

Conclusion

The New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida is a vital connection between Sarasota, Lido Key, and Longboat Key. The bridge was reconstructed in 1986, replacing the original 1929 bridge. It is a popular spot for fishing, and many anglers come to the bridge to catch a variety of fish.

Despite being over 35 years old, the bridge is still in good condition and continues to serve the community. The fixed span of the bridge is 970.2 feet long, making it a significant structure in the area. The bridge is also a popular spot for sightseeing, with many tourists stopping to take photos of the beautiful views.

The New Pass Bascule Bridge is an important part of Sarasota's history and continues to play a vital role in the community. The bridge is a testament to the engineering skills of its designers and builders and is a source of pride for the people of Sarasota.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, the New Pass Bascule Bridge is a must-see attraction. Its age, fishing opportunities, and fixed span make it a unique and fascinating structure that is sure to impress anyone who visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the height clearance for boats passing under the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida?

The height clearance for boats passing under the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida is approximately 22 feet when the bridge is in the closed position.

What is the maximum weight limit for vehicles crossing the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida?

The maximum weight limit for vehicles crossing the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida is 40 tons.

What are the hours of operation for the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida?

The New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida operates on a schedule of every 20 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. After 10:00 p.m., the bridge opens on demand for marine traffic.

What is the current condition of the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida?

The current condition of the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida is good. In 2019, the Florida Department of Transportation completed renovations on the bridge, including painting and replacing the electrical system.

Are there any plans to replace or renovate the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida?

There are currently no plans to replace or renovate the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida. However, the bridge is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.

What is the purpose of the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida?

The purpose of the New Pass Bascule Bridge in Sarasota, Florida is to provide a crossing for vehicles and pedestrians over New Pass, which is a major waterway connecting the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay. The bridge also opens to allow marine traffic to pass through.