Bridge opening

This is the Tierra Verde Bridge looking south as the bridge is being opened.

Almost on its way

The bridge is almost up and soon boats will be allowed to pass through.

All the way up!

Notice how you can see right through the steel grid deck when the bridge leaves are straight up.

On its way down

After the boats pass through, it's time to lower the bridge and let traffic to Ft. DeSoto through.

On its way down II

A closeup view of the steel grid deck from the safety gate as the bridge is lowered.

Halfway there

Only a few more minutes until the bridge is lowered.

Just about...

A little more then we'll be able to cross.

Almost in position for lockdown

Here the bridge tender has to slow down the leaves just as the bridge is lowered. This reduces the potential for damage to the bridge leaves or any other metal parts of the bridge as it is being lowered into place.

Drawbridge lockdown

Once the leaves are perfectly aligned the bridge tender will throw the switches to lock down the steel leaves. If the bridge tender does not lock the bridge down the result may be a bouncy ride as you cross the metal leaves. For that reason, drawbridges must be locked down prior to letting the motoring public pass.

Pedestrian walkway

Looking down the pedestrian walkway as the Tierra Verde Bridge is locked down. Notice how narrow the walkway is; however, these pedestrian walkways are great spots for fishing. Also notice the guardrail to the right, which reminds me of the old Sunshine Skyway's southbound span.

Raise the gates!

The bridge is locked and the bridge tender can raise the gates. Once the gates are up traffic can proceed once more. After all, motorists have been cooped up for a while when the bridge was being opened.

Looking northbound

This is looking northbound on the Tierra Verde Bridge. The traffic signals have turned from green to red signaling another bridge opening is on the way. The bells are ringing on the gates as well!

Drawbridge Signal

This is a traffic signal for the drawbridge. Normally it will stay green but when the bridge has to be opened it will turn yellow and then red, just like a traffic signal.

Bridge going up!

Here we go with another bridge opening so that we can let a boat pass through.

No matter why sailboats need the bridge opened

Good reason: These boats are too tall for the bridge and a permanent sailboat mast can't be taken down easily.

Passing through

Here's the sailboat as it passes through the open center span.

Another steel grid deck view

Here is a view of the Tierra Verde Bridge opened to its full upright position and the steel grid deck is a mighty sight to behold. We see the sailboat passing through and, in due time, the bridge must be lowered.

Another steel grid deck view

Another view of the mighty steel grid deck from a safe closeup view.

On the way down

The bridge tender has to bring the bridge down so that the vehicular traffic may cross. Latecoming boats that need an opening will have to wait until later, as Tierra Verde operates on a time schedule during the day.

Just before lockdown

The steel leaves of the Tierra Verde Bridge as they get ready to meet perfectly together for lockdown prior to motorists and pedestrians crossing the bridge.

Bridge leaves in place

If you stand behind the safety gate as the bridge leaves come together you may feel a small quake as the bridge leaves come down and are locked.

Almost ready!

As soon as the bridge tender locks down the bridge we'll be ready to cross momentarily!

No fishing between signs

Florida Statutes prohibit fishing from a bridge in an area where the active drawbridge is located.

$100 Minimum Fine for Littering

It's the law: You litter in Florida and the fine is steep - $100 miinimum. You will see plenty of signs like this at the exit ramps coming off of Interstate 275.

Slippery When Wet

Just to warn you that the steel grid deck grating of the Tierra Verde Bridge can get slippery at times, especially after a rain event.

Draw Bridge Ahead Closeup

This is the standard Draw Bridge Ahead warning sign, mounted along with a warning beacon for when the bridge is in operation.

Draw Bridge Ahead with beacon

Another view of the Draw Bridge Ahead warning sign along with the beacon as well as a telephone number to call to get bridge information on the bottom.

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway

Common on all drawbridges crossing the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida, it sports the US Army Corps of Engineers logo on the left.

Two Way Traffic

Looking north on FL 679, this sign informs motorists that they are transitioning from a divided highway to a two lane roadway for the trip across the Tierra Verde Bridge and all the way to FL 682, the Pinellas Bayway mainline.

No Parking on Right of Way

That sign is self explanatory: The Florida DOT does not want you to park there for safety reasons.

Draw Bridge Ahead

Advance warning of an upcoming draw bridge before you actually are on the bridge itself. Notice how larger the sign is than its smaller counterpart with the flashing beacon on the top as we seen earlier.

Keep the Tierra Verde Bridge clean

Don't be a litterbug! $100 fine if you leave any litter on the bridge. That is a minimum fine!

Ft. DeSoto Park 5 miles ahead

Ft. DeSoto Park is 5 miles south of the Tierra Verde Bridge. However, you still have to go through a 35 cent toll plaza and another bridge before you get to Ft. DeSoto Park.

The Vehicle Lineup

This is what happens when the Tierra Verde Bridge (or any other drawbridge in Pinellas County) has to be opened to let tall masted boats through: Traffic gridlock.

Looking north towards Isla Del Sol

This is looking north from Tierra Verde as FL 679 makes its way across the Tierra Verde Bridge to Isla Del Sol and FL 682.

Closeup of under the bridge

Closeup of underneath the Tierra Verde Bridge. Notice the steel pile jackets that were installed to prevent corrosion.

Directly underneath the Tierra Verde Bridge

This is looking north as I am standing underneath the south end of the Tierra Verde Bridge. Notice that the pilings are bents until you get to almost before the center moveable section; it changes to a double column pier as you get closer to the center. This area is a prime spot for fishing.

More Tierra Verde Bridge Piers

Notice the multiple bents every other pier. This adds strength to a bridge.

Looking north on the east side

This is looking north on the east side of the Tierra Verde Bridge. Notice the transition of the piers from bents to double column.

Another view looking north

Another closeup view of the many multiple bent piers that make up the Tierra Verde Bridge.

South abutment and pier

This is the south abutment and simple bent pier of the Tierra Verde Bridge. The abutment is what holds the bridge in place.

Looking north at the gate

Here is a view of the Tierra Verde Bridge looking north towards Isla Del Sol.

Great view of St. Pete Beach and the Pinellas Bayway

Nice splendid view of the many condominium and hotel towers of St. Pete Beach. You can also see the drawbridge for the Pinellas Bayway in the foreground.

Drawbridge locking system

Under this panel on the pedestrian walkway as we cross the center steel draw span is the locking system for the drawbridge. The locking system keeps the two bascule leaves in place in order to prevent the bascule leaves from bouncing as traffic rolls across. The bridge tender must ensure that there is no one on the center span before releasing the locks in order to raise the drawbridge.

Another splendid view

Here's another view of St. Pete Beach as seen from the Tierra Verde Bridge.

Concrete roadway and guardrail

Notice how the guardrail protects pedestrians from vehicular traffic. The old southbound span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge had this feature.

Bridge Tender's House

This is where the bridge tender sits for a work shift operating the Tierra Verde Bridge. Notice how the bridge tender's house is level with the road unlike most modern drawbridges today.