Fort Lauderdale Bridge Limits Openings During Weekday Rush Hours
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 19, 2026, the SE 17th Street Bridge in Fort Lauderdale will open less often during weekday rush hours to help ease car traffic jams. Boat captains and drivers who use this bridge will notice the new schedule, which balances smooth sailing with smoother driving. No extra costs are involved—just smarter timing to keep everyone moving.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Fewer Bridge Openings Help Drivers
If you drive in Fort Lauderdale, the SE 17th Street (Brooks Memorial) Bridge will open less often during weekday rush hours starting February 19, 2026. From 6:50 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and from 3:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays), the bridge will open only at the top of the hour instead of at the top and bottom of the hour.
Reduced Openings May Delay Boaters
If you operate a vessel that requires the SE 17th Street bridge to open in Fort Lauderdale, expect fewer openings during weekday rush hours beginning February 19, 2026. From 6:50 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and from 3:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays), the bridge will open only once an hour at the top of the hour instead of twice an hour.
Rule Certified Not to Hurt Small Entities
The Coast Guard certified that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agency based this on the ability of vessels to transit during scheduled times and that vessels able to pass without an opening may do so at any time.
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Key Dates
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