The 11th Ave Bridge in Fort Lauderdale is a unique and historic landmark that has served as an important transportation link for the city for over 100 years. It’s one of the oldest bridges in the Fort Lauderdale area and is also one of the few remaining swing bridges not only in the state of Florida but entire country.
Originally named the Snow-Reed Swing Bridge, the 11th Ave Bridge was built in 1925 and spans the South Fork of the New River. The bridge has 2 lanes for vehicular traffic, as well as sidewalks for pedestrians and bicycles.
The bridge’s most unique feature is its ability to swing open to allow boats to pass through. The swing span is 95 feet long and weighs approximately 40 tons. It is balanced by a counterweight, located on one side of the bridge. When a boat needs to pass through, the swing span is rotated 90 degrees to create an opening that is 50 feet wide. The bridge can be opened and closed in approximately 60 seconds.
The 11th Ave Bridge is an important transportation link for the city of Fort Lauderdale as it connects the city’s downtown area to the residential neighborhoods on the other side of the South Fork of the New River. The bridge’s ability to swing open quickly allows large ships to pass through without causing major disruptions to traffic.
The bridge is also an important historical landmark for the city. It is one of the few remaining swing bridges in the United States and is a testament to the city’s rich history as a hub for transportation and commerce. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular attraction for visitors to the city.
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