Anna Maria Island Bridge and Cortez Bridge Openings Change
On Jan 15 the US Coast Guard begins its new winter schedule for the timed raising of the 2 bridges that connect Anna Maria Island to the mainland.
The summer schedule allowed for on-demand raising at 20 minute intervals: on the hour, 20 past, and 20 ’til, if required by a boat during daylight hours.
The winter schedule now in force from Jan 15 to May 15 is for 30 minute intervals: on the hour, and the half hour, on demand, during daylight.
The fewer scheduled raisings are expected to alleviate traffic delays during the busier winter tourist season, which peaks at around Presidents’ weekend.
In case of boating emergencies, the bridges may also be raised at any time.
The Longboat Pass Bridge connecting Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key is raised for boats at any time on demand, all year.
Tags: Bridge, News
3 Responses to “Anna Maria Island Bridge and Cortez Bridge Openings Change”
By Marci on Oct 20, 2008 | Reply
Does anyone know about the large building that went by barge that passed under the Cortez bridge to Sarasota on October 19, 2008?
By Mike on Oct 20, 2008 | Reply
Sorry Marci, didn’t hear anything about it. Perhaps someone can enlighten us.
By Mike on Oct 22, 2008 | Reply
It was a large barge going from Tampa and heading to Ft Lauderdale via the IntraCoastal Waterway. The barge was a glass structure for a show and to which other boats will tie up.
There is an International Boat Show there Oct 30 to Nov 3.