At a Glance
- The City of Stuart is applying for a $78 million federal-state partnership grant to fund the replacement of the century-old railroad bridge on the St. Lucie River
- The aging drawbridge carries more than 30 trains daily and serves as the only marine access point between the river and the Atlantic Ocean
- Total project cost is $262 million, with $130 million already secured through a MEGA grant from the Department of Transportation
The Story
The City of Stuart is moving forward with a critical grant application this week that could determine the fate of the aging railroad bridge spanning the St. Lucie River. City officials are seeking $78 million in federal funding to help close the gap on the $262 million bridge replacement project.
The century-old drawbridge has become a growing concern for both rail operations and marine traffic. More than 30 trains cross the structure daily, while boaters depend on it for their only route between the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Why It Matters
The deteriorating bridge poses an immediate threat to marine access for all Treasure Coast boaters and businesses. If safety concerns force the bridge to close, vessels would be completely blocked from ocean access. The replacement project has stalled because funding remains incomplete. City commissioners acknowledged during a Jan. 26 meeting that the project cannot move forward until all financing is secured.
Dan Romence, president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, emphasized the stakes for the local marine community. “If the bridge isn’t safe, then they have to shut the bridge, which would completely seal off marine access for everybody,” he said.
Project Details
The City of Stuart already secured a $130 million MEGA grant from the Department of Transportation, covering roughly half the total cost. The new $78 million grant application represents a crucial step toward closing the remaining funding gap. Replacement efforts began more than two years ago when Brightline started service to Orlando.
The proposed new bridge would stand more than double the height of the current structure. This design would allow larger vessels to pass underneath without requiring the bridge to open, reducing delays for both marine and rail traffic.
What Happens Next
The success of this week’s grant application will determine whether the project can proceed. If the federal grant is not approved, the Coast Guard would be responsible for determining when the aging bridge becomes unsafe to operate.
“We all need the bridge. The community needs the bridge,” Romence said. “It’s used daily by the marine traffic that needs to be able to navigate through that waterway.”
The bridge replacement remains a top priority for Stuart officials and the regional marine industry as they work to secure the final funding needed to begin construction.
Source(s): Yahoo News; WPTV
