Jupiter Federal Highway Bascule Bridge

Details

About

Introduction:

The Jupiter Federal Highway Bascule Bridge carries U.S. Route A1A traffic north and south across the Loxahatchee River at Jupiter Inlet. Part of Florida’s Gold Coast, Jupiter has a variety of marine services, full-service marinas and shoreside activities for the visiting boater.

Navigating the Bridge:

Use NOAA Chart 11472.

The Jupiter Federal Highway Bascule Bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 26 feet with 90 feet of horizontal space in the center span.

The bridge is located near and influenced by the strong currents of the Jupiter Inlet, which is where the Loxahatchee River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Southbound, after passing the Jupiter Lighthouse, green can “3” will keep you inline with the bridge’s main channel. If you have to wait for an opening, be prepared and allow yourself plenty of maneuvering room, as the strong currents make it difficult to stay on station for a long period of time.

Once clear the bridge southbound, make sure to pass green daybeacon “7” to port, and then flashing red “8” to starboard. The Intracoastal Waterway bends to the south here, and you do not want to make the mistake of heading east toward the Loxahatchee River.

Bridge Schedule:

The bridge opens on signal at all times.

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:

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