Charles E. Bennett Memorial Bridge, Road bridge in Jacksonville, Florida, US

The Charles E. Bennett Memorial Bridge is a road bridge crossing the Intracoastal Waterway south of the St. Johns River. It connects Arlington to Mayport Road and carries thousands of vehicles daily.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority and City Council approved the Wonderwood Connector in 1997, and bridge work began in May 2001. Construction stopped in November 2003 when the center span fell a few inches short of the 65-foot Coast Guard permit height. Jacobs Civil redesigned it, and the bridge opened on July 24, 2004, seven months late, at a cost of $36.5 million.

The bridge is named after Charles Edward Bennett, a US House Representative who helped establish the Mayport Naval Station. His name reflects the area's maritime importance.

The bridge is accessible via State Road 116 and allows smooth passage between the two sides. Visitors should note that the structure is built for vehicle traffic and can be busy during peak times.

The center span was built to 65 feet 2.25 inches, just over the Coast Guard's 65-foot permit limit, after the Jacksonville Transportation Authority chose the lower height over a planned 67 to 68 feet to save costs. The error was a few inches short, delaying completion by seven months.