A Traveler's Experience

Florida Keys Scenic Highway (FL)

Years ago, when the old "Seven Mile Bridge" was still part of the Highway, I had the experience of being driven across it. I was about 14 or 15, my brother (the driver) was/is 8 years older than me and did all the driving on that being one of my first vacations. It was in the summer somewhere between 1975 and 1977.

It was so narrow often truckers would clip mirrors upon approaching each other. Others were not so lucky. A head-on collision would tie up the bridge for hours in order to remove the wreckage.

This happened on our return trip north across the bridge. Fortunately, traffic was backed up to just before the bridge when we arrived so we were able to pull onto the shoulder and enjoy the bikini-clad scenery at the pool of a hotel.

We saw the car that had the fatality and I remember clearly some gruesome details. They still stick out in my mind some 30 years later.

Back to the bridge. Although it was narrow or perhaps because it was narrow, it was exciting to cross. I was thankful I wasn't the one driving at the time. But that was the thoughts of someone not old enough to drive yet. I don't find any driving situation too intimidating anymore as I've had many driving careers through the years.

I really wish I had had the opportunity to drive that old bridge. By the time I returned on my next trip to the Keys the new bridge was already completed enough to be able to drive. Once the new bridge was drivable they never again allowed thru traffic on the old bridge. That was a testament to the extreme dangers of driving that narrow 7 mile stretch in the middle of the Atlantic.

I'm including a photo of the old 7 mile bridge that was taken in 2000. They left it standing for nostalgic reasons and it is within view of the new bridge.

I wanted to give my best picture that gives you somewhat of a vision of how narrow that old bridge was. Add that to the fact that you were driving it for 7 miles and at 55 mph at that time. Enjoy!