17th Street Causeway Drawbridge

A Unilocal about a bridge? Well, yes! We have Unilocal about other bridges, tunnels and the like, so I don’t feel embarrassed posting about this, the 17^th Street Causeway Bridge as it our largest most outstanding bridge, a matter of local pride, local flavor and a general tourist attraction because of the views it offers.
The 17^th Street Causeway Bridge, also known as the E. Clay Shaw, Jr. Bridge, officially named as such as he secured the necessary Federal funding though himself I would doubt contributed a dime, is a huge four lane bascule bridge (read drawbridge) leading onto Fort Lauderdale’s A1A oceanfront and beachside highway. It’s located at Intracoastal Waterway Statute Mile Mark 1065.9, has a 55′ clearance, opens on the hour and half hour based upon demand, monitors VHF Channel 9 or may contact by telephoned number 954−527−5959.
What make this bridge so special and worthy of a Unilocal is not only the fact that it is the largest of draw bridges in what is city full of drawbridges, but offers spectacular views of ever busy Port Everglades and its continuing array of cruise ships, especially on Sundays commonly known as «turnaround» day, when so many ships enter the port to discharge and take on new passengers.
Other significantly wonderful things about this bridge are its surroundings. Underneath on the west side is a water taxi docking and pickup point, a small public parking area along with several nearby significant restaurants. One the east side another underneath almost park like parking area along with the nearby famous Pier 66.
As drawbridges go, the 17^th is magnificent beauty as are its surroundings and drop dead gorgeous views.