Mechanical Failure on Mathers Bridge in Indian Harbour Beach Forces Closure to All Boating Traffic

By  //  July 4, 2022

Closure in effect until further notice

A mechanical failure has prompted the closing of Mathers Bridge in Indian Harbour Beach to all boating traffic until further notice.

BREVARD COUNTY • INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH, FLORIDA – A mechanical failure has prompted the closing of Mathers Bridge in Indian Harbour Beach to all boating traffic until further notice.

Public safety concerns and mechanical issues have prompted the closing of Mathers Bridge to boating traffic which took place at 4 p.m. on Sunday until further notice, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The 700-foot low-level swing span bridge, first opened in 1927, connects South Tropical Trail on the southern end of Merritt Island to the western end of Banana River Drive in Indian Harbour Beach.

Pedestrian and vehicle traffic is allowed but, effective at 4 p.m. Sunday, the bridge will not open for boating traffic.

That decision was made after officials from Brevard County Public Works and Brevard County Public Safety met at the site to discuss options, repairs and safety concerns expressed by residents over bridge access to the area for emergency responders. Smaller boats will still be able to pass under the bridge.

The mechanical issues involve actuators used in opening and closing the bridge.

When fully operational, Mathers Bridge opens and closes as many as 800 times a month to allow taller boats to navigate along the Banana River.

In the days ahead, the County will continue evaluating mechanical repairs and any other actions that can be taken to facilitate all who navigate under or across the bridge, officials said.

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