Roosevelt Bridge (Florida)


The Roosevelt Bridge is a major highway segmental bridge across the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida. Carrying U.S. Route 1, it was built to supersede the old Roosevelt Bridge, which had twin parallel drawbridges, one for northbound traffic and the other for southbound. The new bridge, completed in 1996, is raised and much longer than the older twin drawbridges. The southbound span of the old bridge is still functional for road and boat traffic and now carries two-way road traffic for what is now known as Dixie Highway, County Road 707. The new high-level Roosevelt Bridge is approximately one mile long and is made of two three-lane sections running parallel to each other. The northbound bridge was completed first, and housed two lanes of both north and south-bound traffic until the second bridge was finished. The Roosevelt Bridge is a target for many protests in the area.
On June 17, 2020, chunks of concrete fell off the bridge, causing a large crack along the southbound bridge, which put the bridge at risk of an imminent collapse. The entire bridge in both directions was closed later that day. Dixie Highway was also closed. Tolls are being temporarily waived on the Florida's Turnpike from Stuart to Port St. Lucie to help ease traffic congestion during this closure. After severe corrosion & ruptured steel tendons were found on the bridge, Mayor Mike Meier issued a local state of emergency for the city of Stuart "based upon hazardous conditions currently existing with the Roosevelt Bridge. The declaration provides for the performance of public works and taking necessary actions to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community." As of July 5th, the northbound bridge, which can carry four lanes of car traffic with a 5 ton restriction, and Dixie Highway are open. The southbound bridge remains closed. Trucks are encouraged to use alternate routes.