Bridge of Lions
Opening drawbridgeBridge of Lions is an opening drawbridge with 18 ft of clearance closed, measured to mean high water. Its open clearance is not charted.
Clearances are from NOAA chart US5FL7RF, measured to mean high water. Actual clearance is lower whenever the water stands above that level, as at higher tides and in storm surge. Always confirm against your vessel's air draft and the posted clearance gauge before transiting.
Pathr nautical charts
Bridge of Lions on the chart
Find the bridge and its charted vertical clearance in one view. Select a pin to compare nearby bridges, see open and closed clearances where charted, and open its operating details.
How to request an opening
(a) Bridge of Lions (SR A1A) Bridge, mile 777.9 at St. Augustine. The draw shall open on signal; except that, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour and half-hour; however, the draw need not open at 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays the draw need only open on the hour and half-hour.
Source: US Coast Guard drawbridge regulations, 33 CFR 117.261 (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from St. Marys River to Key Largo). Confirm before transiting.
Frequently asked
What is the clearance under Bridge of Lions?+
Bridge of Lions is an opening drawbridge with 18 ft of clearance closed, measured to mean high water. Its open clearance is not charted. These figures are from NOAA chart data. Real clearance drops whenever the water stands above the level they are measured to, so leave a margin for your air draft.
How do I get Bridge of Lions to open?+
Contact the bridge tender on VHF-FM, or sound the required signal. Operating schedule: (a) Bridge of Lions (SR A1A) Bridge, mile 777.9 at St. Augustine. The draw shall open on signal; except that, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour and half-hour; however, the draw need not open at 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 5
Tides & conditions at this crossing
Clearance under Bridge of Lions shrinks as the water rises. Check the water level and marine conditions at the nearest NOAA station, St. Augustine, city dock (0 mi away).
