Key West Bridge: How Long Is It Really? (Secrets Revealed!)
The Overseas Highway, a marvel of engineering, connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. Its construction significantly impacted the tourism industry of Key West, transforming it from a somewhat isolated island to a readily accessible destination. Understanding how long is the bridge to Key West, Florida is crucial for planning a trip, as the span itself is a major part of the journey. The Florida Department of Transportation maintains accurate records of the highway's length and individual bridge specifications.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Motorcycle Destinations , from the video titled The Scariest Bridge in Key West, Florida? .
Unveiling the Length of the Bridge to Key West: Separating Fact from Fiction
Many visitors and aspiring travelers wonder: just how long is the bridge to Key West, Florida? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as the famous stretch involves multiple bridges, each contributing to the overall connection. This article aims to clarify the total length of this iconic route and break down the various segments.
Understanding the Overseas Highway
The "bridge to Key West" is actually a section of the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile highway carrying U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys. It's not just one single, continuous bridge. Understanding this is key to answering the length question. The Overseas Highway consists of 42 bridges, some relatively short and others much longer.
The Legacy of Henry Flagler's Railroad
Originally, the Overseas Highway followed the route of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, completed in 1912. This ambitious project, sadly destroyed by the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, provided the initial framework for the highway. Sections of the original railroad can still be seen alongside the current bridges.
The Seven Mile Bridge: The Star of the Show
Without a doubt, the most famous and longest bridge on the Overseas Highway is the Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge, or rather, bridges, warrant a closer look.
Old and New: Two Bridges, One Name
There are technically two Seven Mile Bridges. The older bridge, constructed for Flagler's railroad and later adapted for car traffic, is now closed to vehicular traffic but remains a popular spot for fishing and pedestrian activities. The current Seven Mile Bridge, built parallel to the old one, carries all vehicular traffic.
Official Length of the Seven Mile Bridge
The official length of the new Seven Mile Bridge is 6.79 miles, which equates to approximately 10.93 kilometers. This isn't exactly seven miles, hence the frequent confusion. The original, shorter Seven Mile Bridge contributes a negligible amount to the overall connection to Key West when considering vehicular travel.
Measuring the Entire Overseas Highway to Key West
While the Seven Mile Bridge is the longest single span, it's crucial to understand it's just one segment of the journey to Key West.
Length Including All Bridges and Roadway
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Total Length (Approximate): 113 miles (181.9 km) – This is the entire length of the Overseas Highway from the mainland to Key West.
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Bridge Span (Total - Approximate): While it's nearly impossible to get an exact measurement of all bridges, the estimate hovers between 12-15 miles of bridges total, encompassing the 42 distinct bridges.
Key Considerations for Accurate Measurement
- Point of Origin: Where you start measuring from on the mainland significantly impacts the total mileage.
- Roadway Exclusions: Subtracting the bridge lengths from the 113-mile total leaves a considerable distance of roadway connecting the islands.
Table Summary: Key Distances
| Section | Approximate Length (Miles) | Approximate Length (Kilometers) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas Highway (Total) | 113 | 181.9 | From mainland Florida to Key West. |
| Seven Mile Bridge (New) | 6.79 | 10.93 | The longest single bridge span. |
| All Bridges Combined (Approx.) | 12-15 | 19.3 - 24.1 | Estimate accounting for all 42 bridges. Actual values may slightly vary. |
Other Notable Bridges Along the Route
While the Seven Mile Bridge gets the most attention, other bridges also contribute significantly to the overall journey to Key West:
- Long Key Bridge: Another lengthy bridge on the Overseas Highway.
- Bahia Honda Bridge: This bridge offers stunning views and is another popular landmark.
- Channel Five Bridge: Another example of twin bridges, with a newer structure replacing the original Flagler era bridge.
Understanding the individual contributions of these bridges helps put the total distance of the "bridge to Key West" into perspective.
Video: Key West Bridge: How Long Is It Really? (Secrets Revealed!)
FAQs: Demystifying the Key West Bridge Length
Here are some frequently asked questions about the bridge to Key West, Florida, and exactly how long it stretches.
So, how long is the bridge to Key West, Florida, actually?
The total driving distance along the Overseas Highway, including all bridges and roadways linking the Florida Keys to Key West, is approximately 113 miles (181 kilometers).
What is the longest bridge on the way to Key West?
The longest bridge, and a real highlight of the journey, is the Seven Mile Bridge. However, how long is the bridge to Key West, Florida, isn't answered by just one structure! There are many bridges contributing to the total distance.
Does the often-quoted "113 miles" include only bridges?
No. That 113-mile figure encompasses the entire Overseas Highway from the mainland to Key West, including the bridges and the stretches of land connecting them. Many people wonder how long is the bridge to Key West, Florida, and it's important to remember it's a journey, not just one long bridge.
What was the original Seven Mile Bridge like?
The original Seven Mile Bridge, completed in the early 1900s, was a railroad bridge. A new, wider bridge for vehicular traffic replaced it in the 1980s, and the old bridge is now mostly used for fishing and pedestrian access. While only part of how long is the bridge to Key West, Florida, it's a crucial and historic section.
