The Bridge of Lions Bascule Bridge is the primary link between Saint Augustine and the beaches across the San Sebastian River at ICW Mile Marker 777.9.

Use NOAA CHart 11485.

The bridge has a 25-foot closed vertical clearance with 76 feet of horizontal clearance in the center span.

A new replacement bridge is currently under construction adjacent to the existing bridge, and as such, a close lookout for construction barges, tows and other traffic is warranted. Despite the construction, the ICW is deep and wide here, partially due to the strong currents the Saint Augustine Inlet places on the river here.

You will want to keep an eye on the current tide situation when approaching the bridge, and especially when waiting for an opening, as strong currents are almost always present here.

The bridge operates on a restricted opening schedule. Year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. the bridge opens on the hour and half-hour, but does not open at 8 a.m., noon or 5 p.m. On weekends and Federal Holidays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the bridge opens on the hour and half-hour.

Depending on schedule, the bridge can be opened by horn signal (one long, one short) or by hailing the bridge tender on VHF Channel 09. (All bridges in the state of Florida must be hailed on VHF Channel 09.)

Local Notices to Mariners are now exclusively available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.