The century-old railroad bridge on the St. Lucie River in Stuart remains a critical bottleneck for marine traffic, prompting ongoing efforts to secure funding for its replacement. The aging drawbridge, which carries more than 30 trains daily, has become increasingly problematic for mariners who depend on it for ocean access.
“It’s used daily by the marine traffic that needs to be able to navigate through that waterway,” said Dan Romence, president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast.
The deteriorating bridge poses significant risks to both rail and marine operations. If safety concerns force its closure, it would completely block marine access for all vessels traveling between the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean…