The U.S. Coast Guard has decided to officially limit the 79th East and West drawbridge scheduled openings to once an hour, starting this June

North Bay Village, FL – The U.S. Coast Guard has announced they will limit openings during
peak hours on both the East and West drawbridge on 79th Street. This comes after elected
officials in North Bay Village pursued a federal adjustment that would allow the bridges to open
only once an hour during peak hours Monday to Friday (except Federal holidays.) The change
becomes effective June 11, 2023.
The previous schedule ordered both bridges to open every hour and every half hour during rush
hour Monday to Friday. North Bay Village Commission requested the change from the U.S. Coast
Guard after residents experienced tremendous inconvenience throughout the year. Earlier this
year, residents shared their feedback to the U.S. Coast Guard, urging them to make the
schedule change permanent. Officials from the U.S. Coast Guard received hundreds of
comments in support of change.
This action is intended to assist with reducing vehicular traffic congestion in the area. The
upcoming change will now reduce commute times for residents, visitors and ease congestion
throughout the Village.
North Bay Village is leading the way in environmental stewardship, we are uniquely positioned
geographically and philosophically to tackle environmental issues facing our region. NBV is on
the frontlines of sea level rise and climate resilience is a survival issue for us, not just a talking
point. The Village received the Master Plan of the Year Award by the countywide and statewide
chapters of the American Planning Association in 2021. Our NBV100 Plan focuses on proactive
measures addressing climate change and embracing the waterfront.

Link to Press Release