Swing Bridge Cycle Times

As design has progressed we have been able to determine the anticipated decrease in cycle time of the swing operation due to the proposed mechanical upgrades.  Once the project is complete, the anticipated swing cycle time will be around 2 minutes quicker.  Note, the cycle times mentioned do not include the time needed for marine traffic to pass through the channel.  The time of operation also depends on the operator’s discretion to safely stop vehicular traffic and proceed through each step of the swing operation.

Current swing cycle time:  approximately 9 minutes-10 seconds

Anticipated swing cycle time with new proposed mechanical system:  approximately 7 minutes

We do not have an average duration for vessels to clear the bridge and allow the start of the bridge closure.  However, our experience at the site is that vessel transit time is pretty short since many vessels begin their run through the channel while the bridge is still opening.  Multiple vessels would increase the operation time.

We are also further investigating the potential traffic impacts associated with alternating one-way traffic per the comments of the local businesses.