Southern Boulevard Bridge
Bascule drawbridgeSouthern Boulevard Bridge is a bascule drawbridge with 21 ft of clearance closed, measured to mean high water. Its open clearance is not charted.
Clearances are from NOAA chart US5FL6AN, 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
Southern Boulevard Bridge 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
(k) Southern Boulevard (SR 80) Bridge, mile 1024.7, at West Palm Beach. (1) The draw will open on the quarter and three-quarter hour, except Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need only open on the quarter hour. (2) When the Presidential Security Zone is enforced, the draw may be closed without advance notice to permit uninterrupted transit of dignitaries across the bridge. At all other times the bridge shall open on the quarter and three-quarter hour, or as directed by the on-scene designated representative.
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 Southern Boulevard Bridge?+
Southern Boulevard Bridge is a bascule drawbridge with 21 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 Southern Boulevard Bridge to open?+
Contact the bridge tender on VHF-FM, or sound the required signal. Operating schedule: (k) Southern Boulevard (SR 80) Bridge, mile 1024.7, at West Palm Beach. (1) The draw will open on the quarter and three-quarter hour, except Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.,
Tides & conditions at this crossing
Clearance under Southern Boulevard Bridge shrinks as the water rises. Check the water level and marine conditions at the nearest NOAA station, Palm Beach, Highway 704 bridge (2 mi away).
