New Smyrna Beach, FL – New Smyrna Beach officials hope the United States Coast Guard can give them a break when it comes to opening bridges along the Intracoastal Waterway for boat traffic.
The city is pushing the USCG to limit drawbridge openings on the ICW to every 30 minutes at the top and bottom of the hour between 7 AM and 7 PM. Currently, it opens 3 times an hour at the :00, :20 and :40 minute marks.
New Smyrna Beach Mayor Jim Hathaway says cutting down the bridge openings – especially the George Musson Bridge on the North Causeway – will help ease the stress of drivers going from the mainland to the beach and vice versa.
“We have heavy vehicular traffic traveling over the bridge on the weekends,” Hathaway noted. “When the bridge opens, traffic comes to a standstill along Flagler Avenue and nearly brings the intersection with Peninsula Avenue to a halt. It also backs up along the North Causeway as far west as Washington Street. It’s a public safety issue.”
The city originally filed its request with the USCG’s 7th District last April but have yet to hear back, according to Hathaway.
“We are requesting that the corrections be made before our busy beach season begins,” Hathaway stated. “We need to make modifications to ensure that heavy traffic can flow more easily and our first responders can get through to respond to calls for assistance.”
City officials also feel that cutting down on the bridge opening times – even if it’s only on weekends – will lead to a positive economic response for New Smyrna Beach businesses, especially those on the beachside.
It could take over a year before the USCG approves or denies the city’s request, according to NSB City Manager Pam Brangaccio.
Nearly 230,000 cars used the three beach ramps nearest the North Causeway in 2014, according to Volusia County statistics. Florida Department of Transportation stats shows 2,536 boats passed under the George Musson Bridge between November 2014 and April 2015.
Copyright 2016 Southern Stone Communications.