Repair of Torry Island Swing Bridge to Require Overnight Closure to Vehicle Traffic on Oct. 29

Due to unforeseen circumstances encountered during the ongoing rehabilitation of the Torry Island Swing Bridge at Lake Okeechobee, the bridge will be fully closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, to 5 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Only emergency vehicles will be permitted to cross if needed. Law enforcement will be on site redirecting non-emergency traffic.

As part of the rehabilitation work, additional surface preparation is necessary on structural steel components located on the bridge surface. Because of the location of these components and the equipment required to perform the work, the bridge must be temporarily closed to traffic.

The single nine-hour closure is intended to minimize the impact on commuters and avoid multiple nighttime closures.

After the reopening and throughout the remainder of the rehabilitation project, vehicle traffic will be permitted with only temporary intermittent closures. Also, boats requiring more than 11 feet of clearance shall follow the Route 1 (Open Lake) detour. Vessels requiring less clearance may continue to pass beneath the bridge with caution.

The bridge is expected to fully reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2026.

The Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department (EPW) recognizes that the bridge is the only roadway access to Torry Island and understands the inconvenience this closure may cause. We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation as we work to complete these necessary improvements safely and efficiently.

Media Inquiries Contact: Lady Hereford, EPW Public Information Services Manager, (561) 684-4044 or Email: [email protected]