Update: Mathers Bridge was reopened to boating traffic Monday evening following a temporary shutdown prompted by mechanical and electrical issues.
A mechanical support failure has caused a temporary closure of Mathers Bridge to boating traffic, Brevard County officials said.
County officials hope to have the swing bridge fixed and reopened to boating traffic today and will put out word once that’s the case, officials said.
“The system failed on Saturday while the bridge was in the open position,” county officials said in a press release. “The bridge was later reopened to vehicle traffic, but despite overnight efforts and additional efforts on Sunday an electrical system issue also occurred, thus keeping the bridge closed to boating traffic until electrical parts can be obtained to complete repairs. There is currently no timetable on how soon that might occur.”
The 700-foot low-level Mathers Bridge, first opened in 1927, connects South Tropical Trail on the southern end of Merritt Island to the western end of Banana River Drive in Indian Harbour Beach.
It’s one of just seven remaining pony truss swing bridges left in Florida.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Mathers Bridge reopens to boating traffic
Reporting by Jim Waymer, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
