Drawbridge lockdowns to begin in advance of Hurricane Milton

In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Miami-Dade County, in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), will begin locking down all drawbridges on the Miami River and the Intercoastal Waterway. These bridges will be closed to marine navigation once lockdowns are complete and will remain closed for the duration of severe weather and until the drawbridges and waterways can be assessed for damages.

In Miami-Dade County, drawbridges over the Miami River will be closed sequentially starting from the western most to the easternmost bridge (upstream to downstream). Drawbridges over the Intracoastal Waterway will be closed sequentially starting from the southernmost to the northernmost bridge. Drawbridges will re-open in the opposite sequence. The first bridge to be locked down is the Tamiami Canal Bridge, followed by the 27^th Avenue Bridge and all other Miami River bridges. This closure will continue eastward to the mouth of the Miami River.

At this time, the Port Captain is expected to issue a notice to mariners that all bridges under the purview of the U.S. Coast Guard will be locked down on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.  Miami-Dade County and FDOT are preparing to begin lockdown procedures at 12 p.m. Tuesday.

All mariners must seek safe harbor prior to 12 p.m. Tuesday.

For more information regarding the Miami-Dade County’s bridge lockdown, please call 311. Mariners are encouraged to frequently check the USCG Notice to Mariners for updates and additional information.