08/23/10

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.

New Belleair Causeway Photos

On the morning of Friday, 29 May 2009, the Belleair Causeway Bridge was liberated from the kingdom of the Draw Bridge Ahead warning sign when workers shifted traffic from the old low level drawbridge to the new high rise fixed span bridge.  The opening of the new high rise Belleair Causeway Bridge signaled the end of a 50+ year era of the low level drawbridge and its inconveniences to motorists when the bridge is up, not to mention the weight limits and sometimes periodic closures and the money Pinellas County has spent for upkeep.  The opening also signaled the beginning of a new era of the Belleair Causeway Bridge of which its high rise design and architecture will stand well into the 21st Century.

The newly renovated Belleair Causeway Bridge is more than just a bridge carrying traffic on West Bay Drive to Belleair Beach as well as the rest of the communities of the Gulf Beaches.  In addition to the two lanes for motor vehicles, the bridge consists of sidewalks on either side separated by a Jersey barrier for motorist and pedestrian safety and dedicated bicycle lanes for the bicyclists that regularly use the bridge.  Moreover, a new boat ramp which replaced an older boat ramp facility is being constructed on the east end of the high rise bridge; entry and exit will be much safer from what I understand as those wanting to head eastbound on West Bay Drive will exit the boat ramp going under the east end of the high rise bridge and following an access road to the eastbound lanes for safe access.