Built in 1952, South Ocean Drive Bridge spans the Marion River, connecting residents in the Harbour Isles, Breakwater Surf Homes, Harbour Inlet, and Harbour Beach neighborhoods. As a result of general infrastructure aging and erosion from salt water, the Florida Department of Transportation determined the bridge was in need of structural improvements and repairs.

Due to the extent and costs of the repairs, the City of Fort Lauderdale determined that the best course of action would be a full replacement of the bridge. Jointly funded by the City and the Broward County Transportation Surtax Fund, the bridge will be replaced by April 2025.

• Construction will begin on April 12, 2024, and will be completed by April 2025.
• The existing South Ocean Drive Bridge will be replaced with a newly designed bridge with additional height to accommodate maritime traffic as well as new sidewalks and bike lanes.
• Project Cost: $4,988,088

Project Progress:

Current Status:

Test drive piles have been delivered and will be installed in early June.

Next Steps:

Drive pile construction will continue through the month of June. Construction noise is anticipated during this portion of work.

Project Plans/Renderings:

Initial Project Renderings - 2020

Project Details:

How long will the South Ocean Drive Bridge be closed?

The project is scheduled to start on April 12, 2024, and last for one year. However, this schedule is contingent on FP&L scheduling the deenergizing their lines.

What is the cost of the project and how is it being funded?

The project cost is $4,988,088 and is being funded by the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Broward County Transportation Surtax. Click here to learn more about Broward County's Transportation Surtax program and projects.

What are the operating hours and days for construction work?

The project team plans on working Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. The project team understands that this is a residential area and that noise generating activities will not start until 8:00 AM as per the City's noise ordinance.

What areas are restricted or impacted by the construction project?

The roadway will be closed south of Mayan Drive and north of Marion Drive.

How many construction workers will be on-site and where will they park and store equipment?

During the peak period of construction, the project team anticipates no more than 20 construction workers at a time. The construction workers will park within the bridge site and the equipment/supplies will also be within the project site. This includes the north and south sides of the river.

If I have any issues, who should I call?

The City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, Connie Hayman, Project Manager II, at 954-828-7150, or Ben Rogers, Transportation and Mobility Director and Project Champion, at 954-828-3781.

Will the new bridge be the same?

No, the new bridge will be raised by 1.80 feet to provide additional maritime clearance. In addition, the bridge will have three spans of 30 feet each, supported by twenty-eight (28) 18" prestressed square piles. The top of the vehicular deck will consist of two (2) traffic lanes each way, with a total width of 31 feet, two (2) 6 feet wide concrete sidewalks each way, and two permeable see-through parapet walls with a tubular handrailing on top.

Will the bridge design be the same?

No, the new bridge has a different design that includes a different piling structure. The existing bridge has fifty (50) 12" square pilings and the new bridge will have twenty-eight (28) 18" square prestressed pilings that create a 30 feet wide opening at the center of the bridge.

How will the existing bridge be demolished?

The existing bridge will be removed in pieces using saw cut and large picks. No explosives will be used and there will only be minor concrete chipping.

How will the new bridge be installed?

All the work associated with the new bridge is built in place and only the concrete piles are prefabricated.

Will the waterway be open for boat traffic?

Yes, the project team understands the importance of maintaining maritime access during construction. However, safety is always first and there may be brief delays in navigating through the area so the project team can secure the site.

Will there be silt screening or other preventative measures implemented during construction?

Yes, the project team plans to have silt screening deployed around the directly impacted areas. The silt screening should not impact access to navigate through the project area.

Are there waterway improvements, such as dredging, included in the project scope?

No, the project is limited to the upland improvements.

Will there be any vehicular or pedestrian access to cross the river during construction?

No, the bridge will be completely restricted. Pedestrian and vehicular detours with signage will be deployed.

What will be done to prevent excessive speeding and/or cut through traffic?

The City has plans to install eight (8) sets of speed cushions throughout the neighborhood. The speed cushions will be present throughout construction.

I'm concerned about traffic backing up in the neighborhood, are there any plans to adjust the stop light timing?

Yes, the City has made the Broward County Traffic Engineering Division (BCTED) aware of the project and potential signal timing adjustments. The City will conduct site observations and report back to BCTED.

I'm concerned about emergency response situations and access to the neighborhood.

The City prioritizes public safety, and the project team has coordinated with the Chief of Police and Fire Chief on maintaining access to the neighborhood. In addition, the Maintenance of Traffic (road closure) Plans were signed and approved by both the Police and Fire Rescue Departments.

Meetings & Public Outreach:

• March 13, 2024 - Pre-Construction Meeting Flyer
• Commission Memorandum 24-058 - South Ocean Drive Bridge Replacement Project