Key West Real Estate: Snake Creek Bridge Lifts to be Limited

In response to growing concerns over traffic congestion, The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a new ruling limiting the opening of the Snake Creek Bridge in Islamorada to only once per hour during peak traffic times. From March 16^th through July 14^th, this limited lift time for boats to pass through will be tested to measure the effects on traffic. The aim is to help lessen traffic jams during heavier times of driving. So far the idea has been embraced by the community, but feedback is being requested which will be part of the review once the test run is completed. If successful, the limit on bridge lift hours will become permanent.

The Coast Guard has asked the Florida Department of Transportation to help notify boaters of the change with signage along the bridge to advise of the test period and hours it will be in effect. Until this limited run on bridge lifts began, the Snake Creek Bridge would be lifted up to two times an hour as requested by mariners passing through. While the test run goes on, the bridge will only be opened at the top of the hour from 8:00 am through to 6:00 pm daily. From 6:01 pm through to 7:59 am, boaters can request the bridge be opened as needed every half hour for passing through.

It is hoped that by limiting the number of times the bridge can open during peak traffic times, less congestion will occur. The bridge openings have been blamed in the past for causing lengthy traffic jams, especially throughout weekends in the winter, our busiest season. The Islamorada council led the initial request for fewer bridge openings and was supported by Marathon as well as Key Colony Beach and the Monroe County Commission. The test period of limited bridge openings will provide a comparison for the Coast Guard and government officials to better understand the impact of the openings on daily traffic and the community at large.

So if you are like me and love to fish and boat around the Keys, be aware of the change in how often the Snake Creek Bridge can be lifted to allow boats to pass through. Plan your trips to navigate the area at the top of the hour from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and it should be easy sailing for boats and cars alike. If you are in the market for a new home and looking at the Key West area, my team and I are here to make finding the home of your dreams easy sailing as well. Please contact me, Jimmy Lane for all of your real estate needs.