The New River is lined by spectacular, multi million dollar houses and estates.
It runs right through the heart of down town Fort Lauderdale.
Bridge Schedule
There are several low clearance bridges that open on demand, except during rush hour traffic from 0730 to 0900 in the morning and 1630 to 1800 in the afternoon.
They monitor VHF channel 9 and will also respond to a horn if you don't have a VHF.
If your schedule permits, it is best to navigate the river at slack water (high or low tide), or at least have the current against you for best control, if you need to wait a while for bridges to open.
It can be quite scary with a strong downstream current and no room to maneuver or turn around, especially if your boat has limited maneuverability in reverse.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 01-Feb-2008
Stranahan House (Historic)
Stranahan House is the oldest building in Fort Lauderdale, being built as recently as 1905. It was originally an old trading post.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 02-Feb-2008
New River Tunnel (Point of Interest)
The New River tunnel passes under the river, just East of the Stranahan house.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 02-Feb-2008
3rd Avenue Bridge (Bridge)
Don't let 3rd Avenue bridge take you by surprise as you round the corner coming up the river, especially when the tide is running with you.
It is quite a quick opener, if the downtown traffic is not too heavy.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 01-Feb-2008
Jungle Queen and Carrie B (Hazard)
Beware the large tour boats that go up and down the river. You don't want to meet them on a tight bend unexpectedly.
Listen on VHF channel 9 (the bridge channel) for security calls from tour boats and mega yachts.
Vessels over 300 tons would be advised to hire fore and aft tugs for the ride up the river, due to some very tight bends.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 02-Feb-2008
Andrews Avenue (Bridge)
This is one of the few bascule bridges that lifts from one side only.
You need to be careful that you have enough mast clearance before proceeding.
It can be quite slow to open, especially in heavy downtown traffic conditions. The waterway between Andrews and 3rd Avenue can get quite interesting when there are several boats maneuvering in strong currents, waiting for the bridge to open.
Andrews Avenue bridge may not open on demand when the railway bridge is down.
Note that all these downtown bridges are locked down on weekdays between 0730 to 0900 in the morning and 1630 and 1800 in the afternoon for rush hour traffic.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 02-Feb-2008
Las Olas River Front
River Front is a fun area with many restaurants, bars and entertainment. There is often live music in the bandstand at the waters edge.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 03-Feb-2008
Railway Bridge (Bridge)
The railway bridge is normally in the up position, except when a train is due.
There is an electric sign that tells you the time when the bridge is about to close.
Note, Andrews Avenue bridge may not open when the railway bridge is down.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 04-Feb-2008
7th Avenue Bridge (Bridge)
7th Avenue bridge connects SW 7th Avenue and SW 4th Avenue and is one of the faster opening bridges on the river.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 05-Feb-2008
North Fork (Waterway)
11th Avenue Swing Bridge (Bridge)
This old swing bridge was built in 1924 and is one of the oldest and longest swing bridges in the state.
To open the bridge, the bridge tender leaves the operator's house at the north end and walks to the center of the bridge to lower the barricades and swing the bridge open and shut. During power outages it can be cranked open by hand.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 02-Feb-2008
Davie Boulevard (Bridge)
I95 Bridge (Bridge)
This is a fixed bridge with a 55ft vertical clearance. There is also an old opening railway bridge that is being replaced with a fixed bridge also with 55ft clearance.
It is quite a tight turn at the old railway bridge, especially for larger boats.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 08-Feb-2008
Kittredge's Lagoon (Point of Interest)
An estate, also known as Cambria. Written about by Eric Hiscock when they stayed here many years ago.
The lagoon is on private property and has a gate across the water at the entrance.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 29-Jul-2008