SE 17th Street Bridge Schedule Change Made Permanent

The City of Fort Lauderdale has received approval from the United States Coast Guard to make the weekday operating schedule change for the SE 17th Street Causeway Bridge permanent, effective February 19, 2026.

The schedule change was initially implemented as a temporary deviation, in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation, to evaluate opportunities to improve traffic flow during peak weekday travel times. As part of the federal review and rulemaking process, the U.S. Coast Guard requested public comment to help inform a final determination.

Public comments submitted by our residents, commuters, and businesses were reviewed alongside observed traffic conditions during the evaluation period. Based on this input and operational findings, the U.S. Coast Guard approved the schedule change to remain in effect permanently.

Beginning February 19, 2026, the bridge will not open on weekdays, excluding federal holidays, at the following times:

7:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.

This permanent operating schedule is intended to reduce congestion during morning and afternoon peak travel periods while maintaining safe and efficient marine navigation. Vessels exempted from specific requirements can still request an opening any time.

The City appreciates the public's participation in the federal comment process and will continue working with partner agencies to improve mobility along the SE 17th Street corridor.