17th Street Causeway Bridge
A vital causeway connecting Fort Lauderdale, offering scenic waterway views and access to marine life, with occasional community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Professional bridge tender on duty
17th Street Causeway Bridge
Best Time
Professional bridge tender on duty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital causeway connecting Fort Lauderdale, offering scenic waterway views and access to marine life, with occasional community events.
"Professional bridge tender, but expect traffic delays due to maintenance and breakdowns."
Check for Closures First
Always verify FDOT advisories for nightly closures due to maintenance. :informationdeskperson:
Notify for Bridge Openings
Call VHF channel 9 at least 5 mins before the hour/half-hour for bridge openings. :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Waterway Views
Along the causeway
Enjoy picturesque views of the Intracoastal Waterway and passing boats. A pleasant spot for a stroll or bike ride.
Intracoastal Waterway Access
Underneath the bridge
Explore parks and public spaces beneath the bridge, offering unique perspectives and occasional talent shows.
Daytime Bridge Tender
Bridge control
Experience the professionalism and responsiveness of the daytime bridge tender, known for excellent radio etiquette.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Maintenance & Closures
Bridge Openings & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Closures First
Always verify FDOT advisories for nightly closures due to maintenance.
Notify for Bridge Openings
Call VHF channel 9 at least 5 mins before the hour/half-hour for bridge openings. :boat:
Expect Traffic Delays
Unforeseen breakdowns or closures can cause significant traffic. Plan for extra travel time. :traffic_light:
Keep it Clean
Sidewalks and bike paths can have debris; parks underneath could use more lighting. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Closures First
Always verify FDOT advisories for nightly closures due to maintenance.
Notify for Bridge Openings
Call VHF channel 9 at least 5 mins before the hour/half-hour for bridge openings. :boat:
Expect Traffic Delays
Unforeseen breakdowns or closures can cause significant traffic. Plan for extra travel time. :traffic_light:
Keep it Clean
Sidewalks and bike paths can have debris; parks underneath could use more lighting. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The 17th Street Causeway Bridge offers scenic waterway views and is a vital transit point. While the daytime bridge tender is praised for professionalism, some visitors note issues with cleanliness and lighting in adjacent parks. Unexpected breakdowns and maintenance closures can cause significant traffic delays, highlighting the need to check advisories before travel.
"Don't use this bridge it has a habit of breaking down and the city won't notify you. They'll let you sit in traffic until you get to the bridge and an officer will be there blocking the way and you'll just have to turn back around sit for another hour in traffic. The rocket scientists don't have the brain capacity to post an officer or a sign to let you know that the bridge is down. They're a real class act."
Eduardo Rodriguez
"The bridge tender who is on duty during the day is absolutely delightful. He is very professional, and responsive. His radio etiquette is above par, and he's always in compliance with bridge policy."
J Rgz
"Nice views. Sidewalks always a little dirty , bike paths always have some debris. Could definitely be cleaner overall. And tons of the light bulbs along the sidewalks are out as well as many of the lights at the parks underneath the bridge on both sides, particularly the east side."
Mike D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge connects Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway. It's accessible by car via 17th Street. Public transport options may involve local bus routes that pass nearby.
Parking is available in the parks located underneath the bridge on both the east and west sides. Availability can vary, especially during events.
Yes, there are sidewalks and bike paths available for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the scenic views.
Sunset offers beautiful views of the water and city skyline. Daytime provides clear views of the waterway and passing vessels.
The bridge is close to the Fort Lauderdale beach, Las Olas Boulevard with its shops and restaurants, and various marinas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, crossing the 17th Street Causeway Bridge is free for vehicles. There are no admission fees.
The bridge is generally open 24/7 for vehicle traffic, but it opens for marine traffic on the hour and half-hour. Nightly closures for maintenance may occur.
You need to monitor VHF channel 9 and make your request at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled opening time (on the hour or half-hour).
Currently, maintenance may affect full width openings. It's best to check with the bridge tender for specific details.
Unexpected breakdowns can lead to significant traffic delays. It's advisable to check local traffic advisories before heading to the bridge.
🎫 🚦 Onsite Experience
You can drive or walk/bike across for scenic views, visit the parks underneath, and observe marine traffic. Occasional talent shows occur.
Sidewalks are available, but cleanliness and lighting can be inconsistent. Inquire about specific accessibility features if needed.
Restroom facilities are typically found in the parks located beneath the bridge.
You might see various seabirds and marine life in the Intracoastal Waterway.
While sidewalks and bike paths exist, be mindful of traffic and debris. The bridge tender is professional and responsive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants directly on the bridge itself. Dining options are available nearby in Fort Lauderdale.
The areas around the bridge, particularly near the marinas and Las Olas Boulevard, offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Yes, the parks underneath the bridge provide spaces where you can have a picnic.
Many marinas near the bridge have associated restaurants or are within walking distance of dining establishments.
Typically, there are no food vendors directly on the bridge itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The parks underneath the bridge offer unique angles. Driving or walking across provides panoramic views of the waterway and skyline.
It is not safe to stop your vehicle on the bridge itself. Use designated pull-off areas or parks underneath for photography.
Sunset provides dramatic lighting and colors. Daytime offers clear visibility of the water and surrounding areas.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of any private property or security concerns near marinas.
Capture wide shots of the bridge, close-ups of boats passing, and city skyline views. The parks offer interesting perspectives of the bridge structure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of potential debris on sidewalks and ensure children stay within safe areas. While there are no direct amenities on the bridge itself, nearby Fort Lauderdale beach and parks offer more extensive family-friendly activities.
🚤 Boaters and Marine Enthusiasts
Be aware that current maintenance might affect the full width of the opening. The bridge tender is your best resource for real-time information on any operational changes. The surrounding marinas also offer services and dining options for those navigating the waterway.
🚶♀️ Pedestrians and Cyclists
While the paths offer a great way to experience the bridge, some reviewers mention that cleanliness and lighting could be improved in certain areas. Plan your visit accordingly and be aware of your surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Bridge Openings and Maintenance
However, visitors should be aware that the bridge is subject to ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation. These operations, which include painting, can lead to nightly closures of the eastbound lanes. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provides advisories for these closures, typically occurring between 9 PM and 7 AM. It's highly recommended to check these advisories before your journey to avoid unexpected detours and significant traffic congestion.
Furthermore, current maintenance efforts mean the bridge may not open to its full width. Travelers should always consult with the bridge tender for the most up-to-date information regarding opening capabilities and any potential limitations. This proactive approach ensures a safer and more predictable experience when using the 17th Street Causeway Bridge.
Experiencing the Bridge Environment
Beneath the bridge, on both the east and west sides, are parks that serve as public spaces. These areas provide unique vantage points to observe the bridge's impressive structure and the boats passing through. Reviews suggest that these parks can sometimes host talent shows, adding a lively and unexpected element to the experience. However, some visitors have noted that the sidewalks and bike paths could benefit from more frequent cleaning, and some lighting fixtures, particularly in the parks, are out of order.
The bridge tender on duty during the day has been specifically praised for their professionalism, responsiveness, and excellent radio etiquette, contributing positively to the experience for those interacting with the bridge operations.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit