MARATHON, Fla. – State transportation officials hosted a meeting Thursday night about potentially replacing a South Florida icon: the Seven Mile Bridge.
The bridge is an engineering marvel, from its first incarnation in 1912 as part of Henry Flagler’s train service, to its current status as the iconic gateway to the Lower Keys and Key West.
Today’s bridge was constructed in 1982 with several rehabilitations over the years.
Thursday’s meeting was held at the Marathon Government Center, giving the public its first opportunity to weigh in and ask questions.
The Florida Department of Transportation calls this phase the “project development and environment” study.
“The purpose of this study (is) to consider alternatives that improve safety, evacuation and emergency response, and mobility for those who travel across the bridge, including bicyclists and pedestrians,” FDOT wrote in a statement.
County and state officials said the existing bridge remains safe and secure.
But maintenance is increasingly expensive, and options include a full replacement of the bridge, to span on either side of the existing bridges, according to FDOT Project Manager Raul Quintela.
The old Flagler bridge stands in segments and is only used for pedestrians on the east end. If a new bridge is constructed, the existing 1982 bridge would be demolished, Quintela told Local 10 News.
A new bridge could include bicycle lanes and pedestrian facilities. There is no current plan for the bridge to have more than two lanes of travel.
At this early stage, there are no renderings of a possible new Seven Mile Bridge. According to FDOT’s website, the construction phase is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2030.
FDOT has set up a website for the project.