Snake Creek Bridge opening schedule remains once an hour for now

A limited drawbridge-opening schedule for the Snake Creek Bridge in Islamorada has been extended at least one more month.

Originally planned to end July 14, the test schedule of once-an-hour openings during peak travel times will remain through Aug. 14, Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster said Thursday.

Waterways management officers with the U.S. Coast Guard advised Islamorada staff of the extension Wednesday, citing the need for more public comment.

"We really don't see any rush to change the schedule since there haven't been any hardships to boaters," Forster said. "We appreciate the flexibility the Coast Guard has shown."

During the test period that began March 16, the span opens only at the top of the hour, on demand, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. If no tall boats have signaled for an opening, the Snake Creek Bridge stays closed.

The bridge at mile marker 85.5 -- the last remaining draw span on U.S. 1 -- will open on demand from boaters from 6 p.m. to 7:59 a.m.

Previously, the Coast Guard required the bridge be available for two openings per hour if tall boats with masts or towers are waiting.

The Coast Guard confirmed it received one complaint from a boater about the hourly schedule, and 15 comments supporting it, Forster said.

Frequent Snake Creek Bridge openings have been blamed for causing lengthy traffic backups on U.S. 1.

Information on commenting on the federal rule affecting Snake Creek can be found on the Islamorada municipal home page, www.islamorada.fl.us.

This story was originally published July 11, 2015 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Snake Creek Bridge opening schedule remains once an hour for now."