Old Roosevelt Bridge, Bascule bridge on Dixie Highway in Stuart, Florida.
The Old Roosevelt Bridge is a bascule bridge crossing the St. Lucie River in Stuart, linking the neighborhoods on both sides of the waterway. The movable span in the middle can lift to allow boats and vessels to travel through.
The bridge was built in 1964 to replace an earlier structure that stood at this location since 1934. It served as a key part of US Route 1 traffic until a newer crossing opened in 1996.
The bridge is named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose New Deal paid for the 1934 bascule span. Its predecessor, the 1918 Henry Flagler Bridge, honoured the founder of the parallel Florida East Coast Railway. The 1918 swing span was dismantled and reused in 1935 for the Torry Island Swing Bridge near Belle Glade, where it still turns.
The bridge remains in active use today and carries traffic between Stuart's neighborhoods throughout the day. Keep in mind that the lift span occasionally opens to allow river traffic to pass, which can affect travel times through the area.
Remnants of the original 1934 bridge remain visible on the north side of the river, serving as a reminder of past crossings. These abandoned structures tell the story of how river transportation needs changed over the decades.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,890 contributors worldwide.