Pinellas County Road 183

Even though the current Sand Key Bridge is owned by the Florida DOT, it carries a county highway designation. The Pinellas County maintained portion of Gulf Blvd., or CR 183, runs from Walsingham Road (FL 688) north to Clearwater Beach.

Northbound approaching the Sand Key Bridge

This is the approach roadway leading up to the Sand Key Bridge. A beach overlooking Clearwater Harbor is to the right.

Entering the bridge northbound

Get ready as you cross the Sand Key Bridge into Clearwater Beach - you are in for some splendid views!

Halfway on the ascent

We'll make the summit of the Sand Key Bridge in just a moment. In the meantime check out the right hand emergency breakdown lane; the old low level drawbridge did not have this feature.

At the top

Clearwater Beach comes into view as we begin making our descent.

Descending into Clearwater Beach

The condominium high-rises come into view here.

Touchdown in Clearwater Beach

From here Gulf Blvd. continues as Gulfview Blvd., Hamden Dr. and Coronado Dr. all the way to the roundabout with FL 60.

Looking north from the pedestrian walkway

Here is the Sand Key Bridge as seen from the pedestrian walkway as you head north.

On the Sand Key Bridge

This is where the actual Sand Key Bridge starts from where I am standing.

The new and the old

On the right you see the current Sand Key Bridge. If you look straight ahead you will see the route the old Sand Key Bridge took. The old Sand Key Bridge, by the way, was demolished after the new bridge opened in 1994 and its remains are scattered in a fishing reef in the Gulf of Mexico.

Northbound on the Sand Key Bridge

This is looking from the pedestrian walkway; notice the emergency breakdown lane and the roadway which is built to interstate highway like standards.

On the pedestrian walkway

Looking directly north on the Sand Key Bridge as we prepare to ascend to the summit of 65 feet over the water.

Clearwater Pass and the Gulf of Mexico

A beautiful picture postcard view of Clearwater Pass as it meets the Gulf of Mexico. You can see part of Clearwater Beach to the right and Sand Key Park to the left. Notice one of the excursion boats headed out into the gulf.

Clearwater Memorial Causeway and downtown Clearwater

Breathaking view of the twin spans of the Clearwater Memorial Causeway and the skyline of downtown Clearwater.

Fender system

Like all bridges, drawbridge or not, there has to be a fender system to protect the piers from errant boats.

Another view of Clearwater Pass

As we are at the summit of 65 feet over the water, I bring you another picture postcard perfect view of Clearwater Pass as it meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Expansion joint

Notice these metal strips you see on a bridge? This is what makes a bridge expand and contract depending on the season so that a bridge does not crack.

Down the hill towards Clearwater Beach

As I mentioned in an earlier photograph the high rise condominiums come into view as seen from the pedestrian walkway.

Another view of Clearwater Beach

As you head down the hill on the Sand Key Bridge on the pedestrian walkway you can also see the hotels that line the beach.

Almost there in Clearwater Beach

Reduce your speed to 25 mph as this is the speed limit on all of Clearwater Beach.

Touchdown on dry land!

From here Gulf Blvd. (CR 183) continues as Gulfview Blvd.

Don't stop or stand on the bridge!

Unless you are broke down, don't stop or stand on the Sand Key Bridge. Also the breakdown lane is for emergency stopping only, just like you see on Interstate 275.

Ascending the Sand Key Bridge southbound

Here we see Sand Key Park ahead as we ascend the Sand Key Bridge.

Beginning of the Sand Key Bridge southbound

This was taken on the pedestrian walkway across the street.

Looking up as we ascend to the summit

This is as seen from the concrete barrier separating the pedestrian walkway from the traffic lanes from the pedestrian walkway side.

Maintenance ladder

This is a maintenance ladder that goes down to the fender system along with fall protection as this is a 65 foot drop to the water here. It is locked off to prevent unauthorized access.

Looking towards Belleair Beach

This is on Clearwater Harbor looking towards Belleair Beach. You could make out the outline of the Belleair Causeway in the background.

Looking south as we descend

As you can see from the pedestrian walkway Clearwater Harbor and Sand Key come into view.

The Sand Key condominium canyon

As seen from the pedestrian walkway headed south the canyon of high rise condominiums that dot Sand Key come into view for your viewing enjoyment.

Touchdown on the south end

From here to the Belleair Beach city limits Gulf Blvd. is maintained by the City of Clearwater.

Where the toll plaza once stood

This is the general location of where the toll plaza of the old Sand Key Bridge once stood. I imagine the toll was 50 or 75 cents or you could purchase a roll of tokens to cross at a discounted rate, the predecessor to today's SunPass.

Sunset overlooking the Sand Key Bridge

Taken from the Clearwater Memorial Causeway using a zoom lens.

The mighty pillars of the Sand Key Bridge

Where I am standing is the route of the old Sand Key Bridge.

Panoramic view of the Sand Key Bridge

This is the current high rise Sand Key Bridge crossing Clearwater Pass. The entire bridge lights up at night for a pristine after dusk view.

Looking south on the Sand Key side

Notice how the bridge curves slightly to the right. This area is a great spot for fishing.

One of the mighty pillars looking north

This is one of the many pillars supporting the Sand Key Bridge as it crosses Clearwater Pass.

One of the mighty pillars looking south

Check out this pillar: I got to agree, the new Sand Key Bridge is much better than the old in the way it was designed: Wide width roadway and pillars designed to withstand the strong currents and the harsh environment of Clearwater Pass.