Draw Bridge Ahead - Prepare to Stop When Flashing!

01/01/08

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 Originally constructed in 1950 and in the process of being reconstructed as a high level fixed span bridge as of 2007, the Belleair Causeway carries CR 416 (also known as West Bay Drive) from Gulf Blvd. in Belleair Beach to Largo at the intersection of Seminole Blvd. and Missouri Avenue, also known as US Alt. 19.  East of US Alt. 19 CR 416 transitions from Pinellas County to Florida DOT responsibility as FL 686, which is more known as East Bay Drive to US 19 and Roosevelt Blvd. all the way to its eastern terminus at 4 St N and Gandy Blvd. in northeast St. Petersburg.  As the Belleair Causeway carries CR 416 it is one of four drawbridges owned by Pinellas County.

In the Belleair Causeway's earlier heydays a toll was collected.  However, what makes the Belleair Causeway so unique was that the toll plaza was erected right on the bridge itself on the section east of the movable span rather than on land.  Many years later the tolls were removed.

Increased traffic plus growth in the area have taken a toll on the Belleair Causeway, so much that weight restrictions were placed on the original 1950 span.  In 2007 work on a replacement Belleair Causeway featuring a high level fixed span bridge was started, and completion should be around 2010.  The new high level fixed span Belleair Causeway will look like the high level fixed span bridges at the Sand Key Bridge as well as the Clearwater Memorial Causeway.

When all is said and done motorists will enjoy an uninterrupted route to Belleair Beach without having to wait for the predecessor drawbridge which was known for mechanical breakdowns among other things.  Not only that, a new boat ramp will be constructed on the east end of the Belleair Causeway where the current boat ramp is located now.  Moreover, the new Belleair Causeway will help facilitate hurricane evacuations if in the event the beaches need to be evacuated due to a hurricane emergency.  Construction sometimes means inconveniences but in the end the benefits can be enjoyed.

Belleair Causeway Photos

Drawbridge traffic signal

This is the standard drawbridge traffic signal which turns red when traffic needs to be stopped on the Belleair Causeway. This photo was taken in 2006, about a year before construction started on the replacement bridge.

Steel grid decking

Here is the steel grid deck on the 1950 Belleair Causeway. Notice the narrow pedestrian walkway featuring a solid plate steel deck compared to the steel grid pedestrian walkways on most of the Florida DOT owned drawbridges in Pinellas County. Again this photo was taken in 2006 before construction started.

Drawbridge gates

Standard railroad crossing style gate which goes over each travel lane of the Belleair Causeway. As the length of the gate is one travel lane, there are a total of four gates. The red blinkers operate when the gates are lowered.

Fender system

This is the fender system which protects the drawbridge components of the Belleair Causeway from errant boats as we go over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. This photo was taken in 2006.

Eastbound on the Belleair Causeway

Notice the temporary roadways in place as construction progresses on the new Belleair Causeway.

Looking east on the small bridge

This is the small bridge part of the Belleair Causeway as it goes over a relief channel. This bridge along with the drawbridge is being replaced.

Eastbound on the causeway

Again notice the temporary roadways in place as construction progresses on the new Belleair Causeway bridge.

Draw Bridge Ahead

Here is the standard Draw Bridge Ahead warning sign with beacon which operates when the bridge has to be opened. However, this Draw Bridge Ahead warning sign's days are probably numbered as the drawbridge will be probably torn down after the new high level bridge opens in 2010.

Old and new looking east

We are on the old drawbridge span as we head east on the Belleair Causeway and the drawbridge traffic signal. To the left are the pillars rising on a new era of the Belleair Causeway bridge.

Steel grid deck and bridge tender's house

Here we go as we cross the steel grid deck and have to listen to the momentary hum as we cross the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. To the right is the bridge tender's house which is street level and has served its purpose since 1950. Once the new bridge is done the bridge tender's job will be over.

Heading towards Belleair Bluffs

Here is another image of the old and rising new Belleair Causeway as we enter Belleair Bluffs.

On land in Belleair Bluffs

The old and the rising new Belleair Causeway as seen looking east. Notice the temporary roadways in place.

On West Bay Drive in Belleair Bluffs

Reduce your speed to 30 mph here - speed limits are strictly enforced.

South to Indian Rocks

Drawbridges Home

North to Sand Key Bridge

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This site was last updated 01/01/08