Bridge Manual
South Florida & Florida Keys Bridge Clearance Guide
Bridge clearance is one of the most important planning details for cruising from Palm Beach to Key Largo, Marathon, Key West and beyond. The key number is the vertical clearance above the water, which determines whether your boat can pass beneath a bridge without it opening.
The figures below are a planning reference for major coastal routes, not a guarantee of current clearance at every bridge. NOAA's Coast Pilot and current nautical charts are the primary references for navigation.
Before you use this list
This is a regional planning directory, not an exhaustive certified list of every bridge in every canal. Bridge reconstruction, repairs, water level and chart corrections can affect the clearance you actually encounter.
For your own boat, the most useful next step is to build a route-specific bridge spreadsheet with bridge name, waterway mile, clearance, fixed/drawbridge status, opening schedule, VHF channel, source and date verified. That makes it much easier to identify the controlling bridge for each trip.
Bridge Types
The easiest way to tell whether a bridge is fixed or opens for boats is to check a nautical chart, NOAA's Coast Pilot, or a bridge directory. Here's how to identify each type when boating from Palm Beach down to the Florida Keys.
-
Fixed Bridge
Does not openA fixed bridge stays in place. Your boat must fit underneath its stated vertical clearance.
- Look for a published clearance, such as 65 ft or 21 ft.
- There is no opening schedule.
- If your boat is too tall, you must use another route.
- Account for changing water levels and leave a safety margin.
-
Bascule Bridge (Drawbridge)
Opens upwardOne or two sections rotate upward, like a seesaw.
- Has a published clearance when closed.
- May open on request or according to a schedule.
- Check opening rules, restricted hours and radio procedures.
- Do not assume that the bridge will open immediately when you arrive.
-
Vertical-Lift Bridge
Raises straight upThe center span lifts vertically between towers.
- Has a closed-position clearance and a higher clearance when raised.
- May have restrictions on when it can open.
- Check for commercial traffic and railroad operating rules.
- Confirm the actual clearance in both the closed and raised positions.
-
Swing Bridge
Rotates sidewaysThe bridge span swings horizontally away from the navigation channel.
- Has a closed-position clearance.
- May have a limited opening window or require advance notice.
- Check the chart and current operating schedule.
- Watch for current, nearby vessels and other traffic while waiting for an opening.
Quick reference
| Bridge Type | How It Moves | What You Need to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Does not move | Available vertical clearance |
| Bascule / Drawbridge | Rotates upward | Closed clearance and opening rules |
| Vertical-lift | Moves straight upward | Closed and raised clearances |
| Swing | Rotates horizontally | Closed clearance and opening rules |
Important boating reminder
Your boat's air draft is the distance from the waterline to its highest point, including antennas, radar domes, lights, outriggers and masts.
Compare that measurement with the current charted bridge clearance. Water levels above the chart's reference level reduce the space available beneath a bridge.
Before departure, consult current NOAA nautical charts and the U.S. Coast Pilot for bridge type, clearance and operating information.
- NOAA nautical charts: https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/
- NOAA U.S. Coast Pilot: https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/coast-pilot/index.html
How to identify the type on a nautical chart
When using NOAA charts or a chartplotter:
- Find the bridge on your chart.
- Look for a label describing it as fixed, bascule, lift, or swing.
- Find the vertical clearance, usually shown in feet.
- For an opening bridge, look up its opening schedule and any restrictions separately.
On electronic charts, bridge symbols and descriptions vary by chart provider. Don't rely on the symbol alone if the bridge type is unclear.
A quick example from South Florida
| Bridge | Type | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Julia Tuttle Causeway, Miami | Fixed | Your boat must fit beneath the span. |
| Venetian Causeway, Miami | Drawbridge sections | You may need an opening depending on your boat's height and the span's closed clearance. |
| Royal Park Bridge, Palm Beach | Bascule drawbridge | Check its current opening rules if your boat cannot clear it closed. |
| Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon | Fixed | The charted navigable span has a high clearance; use the correct channel. |
The most important number is your boat's air draft
Your air draft is the distance from the waterline to the highest point on your boat. For example, if your boat's air draft is 22 feet:
- A fixed bridge with 25 feet of available clearance may be passable, provided you have an adequate safety margin and account for water levels.
- A drawbridge with 12 feet of closed clearance will require an opening.
- A fixed bridge with 21 feet of clearance is too low under those conditions.
Remember that water levels can rise above the chart's reference level, reducing the available clearance. Antennas, radar domes, outriggers and masts count toward your boat's air draft.
Best resource to check before each trip
Use the NOAA U.S. Coast Pilot alongside current nautical charts. The Coast Pilot describes bridge types, clearances and operating procedures; check the current bridge operator information for opening times and temporary restrictions.
How to Read the Clearances
- Fixed bridge: The bridge does not open for your vessel. You must fit beneath it.
- Drawbridge: The listed clearance is generally the clearance when the bridge is closed. A vessel taller than that may be able to pass when the bridge opens.
- Mean high water (MHW): Charted vertical clearances are generally referenced to mean high water unless otherwise specified. Actual clearance decreases as the water level rises above that reference.
- Air draft: Measure from the actual waterline to the highest point of your boat, including antennas, radar, lights, outriggers and mast-mounted equipment.
For planning, leave a margin rather than aiming to squeeze beneath a bridge at your boat's stated air draft.
On every card below
Each card lists the bridge type, vertical clearance (closed position for opening bridges), horizontal clearance, operating schedule and notes, and the tender radio channel from our verified bridge directory.
Schedules and clearances change with construction, special events and Coast Guard rule changes. Confirm with the bridge tender, the current Coast Pilot and the Local Notice to Mariners before every transit.
Palm Beach County
The following are published bridge clearances for the principal Intracoastal route. The values are in feet; confirm opening schedules with the bridge tender before transit.
-
Hobe Sound Bridge (SR 708)
ICW Mile 995.9
Just north of the Palm Beach County line (Martin County), on the ICW route north from Jupiter.
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Opens on demand
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Jupiter Island Bridge (SR 707)
ICW Mile 1004.1
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 25 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Opens on demand
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
US 1 Federal Bridge
ICW Mile 1004.8
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 26 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 42 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Alternate A1A Bridge
Loxahatchee River
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 25 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 60 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Florida East Coast Railway Bridge
Loxahatchee River Mile 1.2
Bascule (Rail)Low clearance- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 4 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 40 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Normally locked open; lowers automatically for trains
- Tender radio
- Not listed
-
Indiantown Road Bridge (SR 706)
ICW Mile 1006.2
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 35 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Donald Ross Road Bridge
ICW Mile 1009.3
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 35 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
PGA Boulevard Bridge (SR 786)
ICW Mile 1012.6
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 24 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Parker Bridge (US 1)
ICW Mile 1014.3
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 25 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Jerry Thomas Memorial Bridge
ICW Mile 1017.6
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 65 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Flagler Memorial Bridge
ICW Mile 1021.8
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Weekday commuter curfews apply
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Royal Park Bridge
ICW Mile 1022.6
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Weekday commuter curfews apply
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Southern Boulevard Bridge
ICW Mile 1024.7
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Lake Worth Avenue Bridge (SR 802)
ICW Mile 1028.8
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 35 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- 38 ft at center channel line
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Ocean Avenue Bridge (Lantana)
ICW Mile 1031.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Ocean Avenue Bridge (Boynton)
ICW Mile 1035.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Atlantic Avenue Bridge (SR 806)
ICW Mile 1039.6
BasculeLow clearance- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 12 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Critical low clearance
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Linton Boulevard Bridge
ICW Mile 1041.1
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Spanish River Boulevard Bridge
ICW Mile 1044.9
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- 25 ft at center channel line
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Palmetto Park Road Bridge
ICW Mile 1046.4
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 19 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- 19 ft clearance at center
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
East Camino Real Bridge
ICW Mile 1047.4
BasculeLow clearance- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 9 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 80 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Critical low clearance
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
Particularly important: The Florida East Coast Railway bridge on the Loxahatchee River is listed with only 4 feet of clearance when closed. The Atlantic Avenue and East Camino Real bridges are also low-clearance drawbridges. Do not assume a bridge will open on demand or that a clearance figure alone tells you when it will open.
Broward County
These are the major bridges through Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach and Hollywood. Some older local directories differ from newer charting information, so use these figures as a route-planning checklist and confirm them before transit.
-
Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge
ICW Mile 1050.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Sits directly on county line
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
NE 14th Street Causeway
ICW Mile 1052.3
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 15 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Atlantic Boulevard (SR 814)
ICW Mile 1054.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 15 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Commercial Boulevard
ICW Mile 1059.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 15 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Oakland Park Boulevard (SR 816)
ICW Mile 1060.5
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 22 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Sunrise Boulevard (SR 838)
ICW Mile 1062.2
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 16 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Under active construction restrictions
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Las Olas Boulevard
ICW Mile 1063.8
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 31 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
SE 17th Street Causeway
ICW Mile 1065.9
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 55 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 125 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Port Everglades shipping gateway
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Dania Beach Boulevard
ICW Mile 1069.5
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 22 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Sheridan Street
ICW Mile 1071.5
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 22 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Hollywood Boulevard (SR 820)
ICW Mile 1072.2
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 25 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Hallandale Beach Boulevard
ICW Mile 1074.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 26 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted quarter-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Whiskey Creek Entrance Bridges
Side Channel off Mile 1066
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 10 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- Varies
- Operating schedule & notes
- Side channel fixed spans
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
SE 3rd Avenue Bridge
New River Mile 1.4
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 16 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 60 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Opens on demand
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
South Andrews Avenue Bridge
New River Mile 1.6
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 60 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Opens on demand
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Florida East Coast Railway Bridge
New River Mile 1.1
Bascule (Rail)Low clearance- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 4 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 60 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Defaults open; triggers shut via rail yard dispatch
- Tender radio
- Not listed
-
William H. Marshall Memorial
New River Mile 2.4
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 15 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 60 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Opens on demand
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
SR 84 Bridge
New River South Fork
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 44 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
The 17th Street Causeway bridge is an important access point for Port Everglades. Although its published authorized clearance is much greater than most Broward drawbridges, check its current operating status and opening rules. Whiskey Creek and smaller side waterways have significantly lower clearances than the main ICW.
Miami-Dade County
Miami has several separate navigational corridors. The bridge clearance depends on whether you are following the main ICW, entering Miami Beach canals, crossing toward Key Biscayne or traveling up the Miami River.
-
NE 192nd Street Bridge
ICW Mile 1075.0
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 65 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Sunny Isles Boulevard / SR 826
ICW Mile 1076.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 30 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
79th Street Causeway (East Span)
ICW Mile 1081.6
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 25 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 65 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Weekday commuter curfews apply
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195)
ICW Mile 1087.1
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 56 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- CRITICAL ICW ROUTE FIXED CHOKE POINT
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
MacArthur Causeway (I-395)
ICW Mile 1088.2
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 65 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 130 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
PortMiami Fixed Highway Bridge
Dodge Island Cutoff
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 65 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 100 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Venetian Causeway (East Span)
Miami Beach Channel
BasculeLow clearance- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 12 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Venetian Causeway (West Span)
ICW Mile 1088.6
BasculeLow clearance- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 12 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Restricted half-hour schedule
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Rickenbacker Causeway
Biscayne Bay Route
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 76 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 120 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Julia Tuttle (East Fixed Span)
Miami Beach Channel
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 35 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 50 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Side channel fixed span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Collins Canal Fixed Bridges
Miami Beach Canals
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 5 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- Varies
- Operating schedule & notes
- Extreme low residential clearances
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Brickell Avenue Bridge
Miami River Mile 0.1
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- Variable
- Horizontal clearance
- 110 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Arched leaves require piling gauge check
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Miami Avenue Bridge
Miami River Mile 0.3
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- Variable
- Horizontal clearance
- 115 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Arched leaves require piling gauge check
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
SW 2nd Avenue Bridge
Miami River Mile 0.5
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- Variable
- Horizontal clearance
- 115 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Arched leaves require piling gauge check
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
The Julia Tuttle Causeway's 56-foot fixed span is identified by NOAA as the lowest fixed bridge on the main ICW route between Norfolk and Miami. The Venetian Causeway is a separate route with low drawbridges, so a boat that can clear the Julia Tuttle Bridge may still need bridge openings on the Venetian route.
Florida Keys
The Keys have both a northern inside-waterway route through Florida Bay and a southern route through Hawk Channel. Cross-island cuts can have much lower clearances than the main highway bridges.
The former swing span at Seven Mile Bridge over Moser Channel has been removed. NOAA lists the nearby fixed highway bridge at 65 feet. Do not confuse that span with other bridges along the old and current Overseas Highway alignments.
The northern alternate route through Big Spanish Channel is especially sensitive to shoaling and submerged pilings. NOAA's Coast Pilot warns that local knowledge is advisable for this route. For remote routes beyond Key West, consult current charts for the actual approach rather than relying on a generalized bridge list.
Upper Keys: Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada
-
Card Sound Highway Bridge
Card Sound Channel
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 65 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Jewfish Creek Highway Bridge
ICW Mile 1134.1
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 67 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 100 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed Span
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Tavernier Creek Highway Bridges
Tavernier Creek
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 15 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 30 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Overhead utility lines cross here
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Snake Creek Bridge
ICW Mile 1156.0
Bascule- Vertical clearance (closed)
- 27 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 60 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Hourly daylight blocks; Opens on demand overnight
- Tender radio
- VHF Channel 9
-
Whale Harbor Channel Bridges
Islamorada Area
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 12 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 32 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Overhead utility wires may be lower than bridge arch
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Tea Table Key Channel Bridges
Islamorada Area
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 10 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 35 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- 10 ft vertical limits at adjacent pipeline span
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Lignumvitae Channel Bridges
Lower Matecumbe Cut
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 10 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 35 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- 10 ft vertical limits at parallel utility cable
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Channel Two Bridges
Channel Two Cut
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 11 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 35 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed spans over minor cut slough
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Channel Five Crossing
Channel Five Main Cut
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 65 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 90 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Main blue-water cross-island fixed gateway
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
Watch out: Snake Creek can have strong currents, especially near the bridge. Whale Harbor and several cross-island channels have low overhead clearances, and overhead cables or pipelines may be the limiting obstruction even where the bridge itself appears higher.
Middle Keys: Marathon and the Seven Mile Bridge area
-
Knight Key Channel Bridges
West of Marathon
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 19 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 35 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed spans over shallow bank flats
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Seven Mile Bridge (Moser Channel)
Moser Channel
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 65 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 400 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Old swing leaves removed entirely
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Boot Key Harbor Entrance Span
Marathon Cut
Open- Vertical clearance
- Unlimited
- Horizontal clearance
- 40 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Bascule leaves completely cut away and removed
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Bahia Honda Channel Crossing
Bahia Honda Key
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 21 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 50 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Modern highway span clearance
- Tender radio
- Not required
-
Long Key Cross-Island Channels
Middle Keys
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- Varies
- Horizontal clearance
- 40 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Clearance varies heavily across individual cut sloughs
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
The former swing span at Seven Mile Bridge over Moser Channel has been removed. NOAA lists the nearby fixed highway bridge at 65 feet. Do not confuse that span with other bridges along the old and current Overseas Highway alignments.
Lower Keys and Key West
-
Big Spanish Channel Route Spans
Lower Keys Route
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 11 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 32 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Shifting shoals and sand obstructions dominate channel
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Niles Channel Bridges
Lower Keys
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 40 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 75 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Fixed spans over deepwater pass
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Cow Key Channel Crossings
Stock Island
FixedLow clearance- Vertical clearance
- 10 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 30 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Minor coastal channel access bridge
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Boca Chica Channel Crossings
East of Key West
Fixed- Vertical clearance
- 14 ft
- Horizontal clearance
- 35 ft
- Operating schedule & notes
- Borders military restricted operational airspace
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
-
Key West Harbor Main Channels
Key West
Open- Vertical clearance
- Unlimited
- Horizontal clearance
- Unlimited
- Operating schedule & notes
- No overhead structures cross main deepwater approaches
- Tender radio
- Not applicable (does not open)
The northern alternate route through Big Spanish Channel is especially sensitive to shoaling and submerged pilings. NOAA's Coast Pilot warns that local knowledge is advisable for this route. For remote routes beyond Key West, consult current charts for the actual approach rather than relying on a generalized bridge list.
Additional Low-Clearance Waterways to Check
The main ICW figures above do not cover every residential canal, river branch or marina entrance. If your route enters any of the following, verify every bridge and overhead cable on that specific route:
-
West Palm Beach Canal
A fixed highway bridge is listed at 12 ft near the canal mouth.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners -
Little Lake Worth entrance
A1A fixed bridge listed at 8 ft.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners -
Miami Beach / Collins Canal
Some fixed bridges are listed as low as 5 ft.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners -
Mercedes River, Fort Lauderdale
Fixed bridge listed at 7 ft.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners -
Marietta River, Fort Lauderdale
Fixed bridge listed at 8 ft.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners -
Dania Cut-Off Canal
Bridges and other structures restrict portions of the canal to approximately 9.5 ft overhead clearance.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners -
Coral Gables Waterway
Check the specific route and all overhead utilities before entering.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners -
Residential canals and marina basins
Local restrictions and overhead structures can be lower than the main ICW bridge clearances.
📋 View District 7 Notices to Mariners
These smaller waterways are particularly important for vessels with tall hardtops, radar arches, antennas, outriggers or masts.
Official References to Save
-
NOAA U.S. Coast Pilot 4
The primary reference for the Atlantic coast from Cape Henry to Key West, including the Intracoastal Waterway. Chapter 12 covers the ICW and its bridge descriptions.
Open NOAA Coast Pilot 4 -
NOAA Nautical Charts
Use the current chart for the exact bridge span, marked channel, horizontal clearance and surrounding obstructions.
Open NOAA nautical chart resources -
U.S. Coast Guard bridge and navigation information
Check current navigation notices and bridge operating rules before departure, particularly where maintenance or closures may affect your route.
Open Coast Guard bridge clearance guidance
Before you use this list
This is a regional planning directory, not an exhaustive certified list of every bridge in every canal. Bridge reconstruction, repairs, water level and chart corrections can affect the clearance you actually encounter.
For your own boat, the most useful next step is to build a route-specific bridge spreadsheet with bridge name, waterway mile, clearance, fixed/drawbridge status, opening schedule, VHF channel, source and date verified. That makes it much easier to identify the controlling bridge for each trip.