In 1982, a wider and safer Seven Mile Bridge opened to traffic in the Florida Keys. But the old bridge was never forgotten.
The original bridge remained a landmark, running alongside the new one in Marathon. Cars were allowed on portions. People fished off the railings.
It was built as the railway bed for Henry Flagler’s overseas train. After the hurricane of 1935 washed away sections, it was converted to a bridge for cars as the only way in and out of the Lower and Middle Keys.
But it was narrow. A bit harrowing. Unsafe.
With the rise of the new and safer Seven Mile Bridge, the old bridge kept its place in history, but transformed into a recreational spot. A few years ago, it closed for repairs. In January, 2022, it reopened for walkers, skaters, bicycle riders, with enhanced safety features.
With both bridges up and running again, let’s look back at the original, told through these old photos from the Miami Herald archive:
Boat race
Aqua Toy Store, piloted by Tague Estes of Lighthouse Point, Fla., and Dan Campbell, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., speeds between new, left, and old Seven Mile Bridges in the Florida Keys en route to victory in the Superboat Unlimited Class Sunday, June 16, 2002, at the Fountain Marathon Super Boat Grand Prix. JOE CARDENAS AP File
Crash
This Toyota sedan crashed into a barrier on the old Seven Mile Bridge in 1996. One man died and a woman was critically injured. Miami Herald File
Warning
A sign on the Old Seven Mile Bridge in the Keys warns cars to slow down in 1995. Mark Washburn Miami Herald File
The arches
The arches on the old bridge in 1996. Mark Washburn Miami Herald File
Fred the tree
Every year, a crew of anonymous “elves” decorate the Australian pine known as Fred the Tree on a section of the old Seven Mile Bridge. Miami Herald File
History of the highway
In need of repairs
The old Seven Mile Bridge, right, next to the new one, at the time it needed millions of dollars in repairs for pedestrian safety. Miami Herald File
Changing rules
A crew from the Florida Department of Transportation removes Fishing Area signs from the crumbling Old Seven Mile Bridge on June 13, 2008. Miami Herald File
A crew from the Florida Department of Transportation removes fishing signs on the sides of the crumbling Old Seven Mile Bridge in 2008. Miami Herald File
The view
Old Seven Mile Bridge in 1998, from the southern end. Mark Washburn Miami Herald File
A man stopped his bike ride along the old Seven Mile Bridge to watch a storm brewing on the horizon. Miami Herald File
The two Seven Mile Bridges stand as twin sentries of the Florida Keys. This view from Pigeon Key is popular with photographers, especially when the sun sets between the two bridges. Miami Herald File
The reopening
Florida Keys officials and residents gather on Jan. 12, 2022, in Marathon to celebrate a section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge reopening after a $44 million renovation. Gwen Filosa gfilosa@flkeysnews.com
