November 30, 2009

11th Avenue Snow-Reed Swing Bridge – New River, Fort Lauderdale Bridges

Filed under: Navigating — Tags: , , , , , , , — Richard Jordan @ 6:14 pm
The 11th Ave swing bridge is a historic landmark of the New River.

The 11th Ave swing bridge is a historic landmark of the New River.

The 11th Avenue Snow-Reed bridge spans the North Fork of the New River from Riverside to Sailboat Bend. She runs from north to south. The western bank is Riverside, the Gill Isles. The eastern bank is Sailboat bend. Downriver of her, the receding fork passes by the Argyle liveaboard Apartments and then navigationally ends at the Broward Boulevard fixed, low bridge. Upriver, the water combines with the south fork heading out into the Intracoastal. Built from 1924-1925, the bridge is the oldest in Fort Lauderdale and only operational swing bridge left in South Florida. Over her 84 years, the bridge has been a divisive, controversial structure. She is a historical icon. Currently 2010, she is undergoing a rehabilitation. Dane from the city of Fort Lauderdale is the SW 11th Ave swing bridge rehabiliation project manager. Dane says, “Current fixes require the replacement of damaged structural steel, new railings, new grating, new mechanical system, new electrical system, new fender, new control house, and repaired bulkheads.”

  • Vertical Clearance: None
  • Horizontal Clearance: 20’0″
  • Depth: slight over 9’1″
  • Type: Warren Pony Swing Metal Truss
  • Opens: On demand 24/7
  • City of Fort Lauderdale Operated: (954) 828 5000

Continue reading “11th Avenue Snow-Reed Swing Bridge – New River, Fort Lauderdale Bridges” »

October 28, 2009

SE 17th Street Causeway (Commodore Brook/Clay E. Shaw) – Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Bridges

Filed under: Navigating — Tags: , , , — Richard Jordan @ 7:34 pm

The Clay E. Shaw Bridge crosses the ICW from the Commodore Brook Memorial Causeway to A1A

The Southeast 17th Street bridge is a bascule drawbridge located just north of the Port Everglades cut. The causeway goes from the westside off US1/Federal Highway eastward over the ICW and twists northward becoming A1A along the Fort Lauderdale beach. The western approach is known as the Commodore Brook Causeway while the actual bridge is named after Clay Shaw. The State of Florida maintains her along with other ICW crossing bridges.

  • Vertical Clearance: 55′ (at high tide)
  • Horizontal Clearance: 125′
  • Depth: ~20 ft
  • Tide Shift: 2 ft every 6 hours with 2 knot current
  • Year Built: 1998-2002
  • Traffic Lanes: 4
  • Openings: Half and whole hour
  • Closed: 7:30-9:00 AM and from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, M-F during rush hour traffic
  • Tender: VHF Channel 9
  • State maintained: (954) 486-1400

Continue reading “SE 17th Street Causeway (Commodore Brook/Clay E. Shaw) – Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Bridges” »

August 25, 2009

New River Guide: Part II Navigation

Filed under: Navigating — Tags: , , , — Robert Jordan @ 2:24 am

Also see our list of bridges on the New River, Fort Lauderdale.

The four Florida Power and Light smokestack towers mark Port Everglades from sea or land.

The four Florida Power and Light smokestack towers mark Port Everglades from sea or land.

From Port Everglades to I-95
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This information is to be used as a guide. Prudent captains will always refer to other sources such as US Government charts and books.

NOTE: BRIDGES WILL NOT OPEN from 7:30-9:00 AM and from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, M-F during rush hour traffic
Use VHF Channel 9 to communicate with bridges
Always monitor Channel 9 for traffic reports from vessels headed up or down the river.
Beware! There is a 2 knot tidal current in the New River changing direction every 6 hours.
Very Important! It is best to go up the river with the tide coming out.
Continue reading “New River Guide: Part II Navigation” »

New River Guide: Part I List of Bridges

Filed under: Navigating — Tags: , , , , — Robert Jordan @ 2:21 am
The Jungle Queen rules the New River. Bridges open quickly on her command.

The Jungle Queen rules the New River. Bridges open quickly on her command.

Intracoastal Waterway and New River
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This information is to be used as a guide. Prudent captains will always refer to other sources such as US Government charts and books.

NOTE: BRIDGES WILL NOT OPEN from 7:30-9:00 AM and from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, M-F during rush hour traffic
Use VHF Channel 9 to communicate with bridges
Always monitor Channel 9 for traffic reports from vessels headed up or down the river.
Beware! There is a 2 knot tidal current in the New River changing direction every 6 hours.
Very Important! It is best to go up the river with the tide coming out. Continue reading “New River Guide: Part I List of Bridges” »

Argyle Apartments, Fort Lauderdale – New River Dockage

Filed under: Navigating — Tags: , , , — Richard Jordan @ 2:17 am
Look from the Broward bridge towards Argyle apartments

Look from the Broward bridge towards Argyle apartments

Argyle apartments are near the end of the North Fork of the New River. The apartments lie off Argyle Drive. North, the apartments run right up to the Broward Boulevard bridge which terminates the North Fork. South and eastward curves Argyle Drive, the apartments namesake. At the south end of Argyle Drive is a canal with private houses cut into the east bank of the North Fork. To the west is I-95 and Ft. Lauderdale’s historic African American district. South along the west bank of the North fork are Gill Isles. Further south is the 11th Avenue swing bridge. Argyle is best known for the least expensive liveaboard dockage in Ft. Lauderdale. It is zoned for liveaboard, and three apartment complexes take advantage. Continue reading “Argyle Apartments, Fort Lauderdale – New River Dockage” »

Gill Isles, Fort Lauderdale – New River Dockage

Filed under: Navigating — Tags: , , , , — Richard Jordan @ 2:15 am
Gill Isles run along the westside of the North Fork. View of the entrance to the first of Gill Isles.

Gill Isles run along the westside of the North Fork.

Gill Isles are located on the North Fork of the New River before and past the Eleventh Avenue bridge. The isles are all on the westside of the North Fork. The isles are south of Argyle apartments and the Broward Boulevard bridge. Gill Isles are north of the New River’s South Fork. Westward is Ft. Lauderdale’s historic African American district and I-95. Eastward is Coolies Landing, Riverwalk, and downtown. Gill Isles are the best kept secret of Ft. Lauderdale dockage – hurricane safe, deep water, and affordable rates. Continue reading “Gill Isles, Fort Lauderdale – New River Dockage” »