JUPITER — Drivers in Jupiter, Florida, will have to wait until late December or possibly early 2025 before they can travel across the long-anticipated $122 million U.S. 1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River. Initially, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) aimed to open one lane in each direction on November 10, but Hurricane Milton disrupted the project’s timeline. The storm’s arrival forced FDOT to shut down construction temporarily, pushing back the bridge’s opening and impacting the entire timeline of the project, according to Grace Ducanis, an FDOT spokeswoman. 

What Caused the Delay? 

Hurricane Milton significantly affected the bridge project when it swept through, requiring crews to take extensive safety precautions. Crews dismantled cranes to secure the construction site. They moved them away from the bridge, tied barges together, secured barricades, and removed debris. Ducanis explained that they also removed turbidity barriers to improve drainage and installed silt fencing to protect against washouts. These efforts meant shutting down the project for about a week, a delay that has pushed the bridge’s reopening to late December or early 2025. 

Scott Case, the senior engineer on the project, shared an updated timeline with the Jupiter Town Council, noting that construction crews are working to open one lane in each direction on the bridge’s southbound side — its western half — by Christmas. However, FDOT’s new official goal for opening the bridge is early 2025, as they consider the potential impact of future hurricanes. “It’s still hurricane season. … There are still storms out there,” Case told the council. “It’s the what-if scenarios that we can’t predict until we get out of this season.” 

According to Case, the bridge’s northbound lanes are expected to open in the spring of 2025, “shortly after” the south span is operational. The project is currently 71% complete, and FDOT projects a full completion by early 2026. Additionally, a pedestrian bridge under the south side, connecting to Jupiter’s Riverwalk area, is scheduled to open by summer 2025. 

The Impact on Commuters and Local Businesses 

For local drivers, the extended timeline means enduring detours and heavier-than-usual traffic along alternative routes, adding time and frustration to daily commutes. The bridge, which has connected Jupiter and Tequesta since 1958, was shut down in March 2023 to construct this modern replacement, which has strained commuters and nearby businesses. 

Local businesses around the bridge have felt the impact acutely. Some owners report that the construction has discouraged foot traffic, reducing the number of visitors to their restaurants and shops. Many small business owners anxiously await the bridge’s opening to restore normalcy to their customer flow. 

What to Expect Moving Forward 

While a delay of several weeks may feel long, it’s important to remember that FDOT officials are dedicated to ensuring the new U.S. 1 bridge is safe and structurally sound. Once complete, the bridge will enhance travel for Jupiter’s residents and visitors, improving traffic flow along this vital corridor. The modernized bridge promises to better accommodate the area’s needs and provide a more reliable connection between Jupiter and Tequesta, making this waiting period a worthwhile investment in safety and longevity. 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through updates from FDOT as the bridge’s construction progresses. The community remains hopeful and united in anticipation that by early 2025, they will finally cross the new U.S. 1 bridge and support the local businesses ready to welcome them back. 

Washburn, M. (2024, October 31). Hurricane Milton shutdown delays opening of new Jupiter U.S. 1 bridge at least six weeks. Palm Beach Post. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/jupiter/2024/10/31/hurricane-milton-shutdown-delays-new-jupiter-us-1-bridge-opening/75776382007/ 

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