Update Oct, 2017: USCG approved changes to opening times, effective Oct. 5 year-round, to be at quarter past, 0015, and quarter to the hour, 0045, from 0600 to 1900H, on the Manatee Ave (Anna Maria Island) Bridge and the Cortez Bridge. The change also applies to Stickney Point and Siesta Drive bridges in Sarasota. Longboat Pass bridge continues as open on-demand.
Update Feb, 2017: U.S. Coast Guard proposes changing operating schedule of bridges across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from three times per hour to twice. Anna Maria Bridge and Cortez Bridge will open on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour on demand, during daylight hours. The change is to be year-round. The proposal is open for comment until April 14.
On Jan 15, 2014, the US Coast Guard began its winter schedule for the timed raising of 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, and by request of a US Government vessel.
Three bridges provide access on and off Anna Maria Island at Manatee Ave Highway 64, mid-island at Cortez Road, and at the southern point at Longboat Pass.
The Longboat Pass Bridge connecting Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key is raised for boats at any time on demand, all year.
7 replies on “Anna Maria Island Bridge and Cortez Bridge Openings Change”
Does anyone know about the large building that went by barge that passed under the Cortez bridge to Sarasota on October 19, 2008?
Sorry Marci, didn’t hear anything about it. Perhaps someone can enlighten us.
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.
[…] Travel can be brought to a standstill for hours as cars search for parking spots and bridge openings stop traffic flowing. Congestion is increasing each year as more people discover Anna Maria Island […]
Hi! Does the drawbridge open? We are staying in Anna Maria and have a child with anaphylaxis to peanuts and treenuts. We need to be able to get across the bridge if necessary. Could you tell me if it opens and if so the times?
Warm Regards
Yes, the drawbridge does open. As the article above says, the bridge goes up at quarter past and quarter to the hour, between 6 in the morning and 7 at night, but only if requested by boats requiring more than 17 feet clearance. Many boats can pass under the closed bridge. When the bridge goes up the car traffic is delayed about 5 minutes. In the event of an car accident or a mechanical or electrical failure, Cortez Bridge, a few minutes drive to the south, is an alternative route to the mainland.
[…] hibernators. Travel can be brought to a standstill for hours as cars search for parking spots and bridge openings stop traffic flowing. Congestion is increasing each year as more people discover Anna Maria Island […]