Gilchrist Bridge

Gilchrist Bridge is a concrete structure that crosses the Peace River and links Port Charlotte to Punta Gorda. The two-lane construction reaches approximately 45 feet in height above the waterway.

The structure opened on July 4, 1976, during the United States Bicentennial celebrations. Its completion marked a major improvement to regional transportation connectivity.

The bridge takes its name from Albert W. Gilchrist, a former Florida Governor who lived in Punta Gorda. The naming reflects a connection to an important regional political figure.

The crossing carries mainly southbound traffic on U.S. Route 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail. A companion bridge, the Barron Collier Bridge, handles traffic moving in the opposite direction.

The structure splits U.S. Route 41 into two separate one-way roads that later converge near Cross Street and King Street. This unusual configuration shapes how traffic flows through Punta Gorda.

Inception: July 4, 1976

Official opening: July 4, 1976

Made from material: concrete

GPS coordinates: 26.94480,-82.05870

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:06