As Hurricane Milton approaches, Miami-Dade County officials have announced preemptive measures to secure local infrastructure. In coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the U.S. Coast Guard, the county is set to initiate lockdowns of all drawbridges across the Miami River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The lockdown procedures are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. today, as reported by Miami-Dade County's official release.
Mariners navigating these waters have been instructed to seek safe harbor before the lockdown takes effect, as the bridges will become inaccessible for marine traffic once closed. With the closures starting at the Tamiami Canal Bridge and proceeding sequentially to the 27th Avenue Bridge and beyond, the bridges over the Miami River are closing from west to east. According to Miami-Dade County's announcement, drawbridges along the Intracoastal Waterway will follow suit, from south to north.
Moreover, the U.S. Coast Guard is expected to issue a notice to mariners regarding the impending bridge lockdowns, ensuring that those at sea are sufficiently informed of the changes in bridge access. This came as part of the preparedness efforts communicated by the county's news release. The closures will last for the duration of the severe weather, pending an assessment of potential damages that may occur during the hurricane.
Residents looking for more details on the bridge restrictions can reach out to the county by calling 311. Further updates and information are also available through the U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners, which mariners are encouraged to check frequently for the duration of Hurricane Milton's impact.
