The Long Key Bridge (Bridge No. 900094), which carries SR 5/US 1 over the Long Key Channel is located within the Florida Keys in unincorporated Monroe County. Situated in the Middle Keys, halfway between Miami and Key West, the Bridge connects Conch Key to Long Key.

The project limits extend along SR 5/US 1 from just south of N. Conch Avenue on Conch Key north across Long Key Channel to north of Pelican Court on Long Key, a distance of approximately 3.2 miles.

The purpose and need for this study is to evaluate the replacement of the Long Key Bridge to address bridge deficiencies, assess roadway capacity and safety needs, evaluate mobility, improve evacuation and emergency response times, and evaluate bicycle and pedestrian needs.

CURRENT STATUS

The Long Key Bridge PD&E Study is currently paused. Prior to the pause, the project team collected data and reviewed existing conditions. These efforts included engineering and environmental analyses focused on safety, bridge requirements, environmental impacts, and community connectivity. Potential bridge replacement alternatives were evaluated and presented to the public, followed by selection of a preferred alternative.

Public involvement activities were initiated to gather feedback and better understand community priorities including a Public Kickoff Meeting and an Alternatives Public Meeting. Although the PD&E study has been paused, all input and work completed to date will help inform future decisions.

A Joint Public Information Meeting for the Long Key Bridge and Seven Mile Bridge PD&E Studies was held on June 26, 2025, to provide a status of the PD&E Studies and why they are being paused, and introduce the proposed bridge rehabilitation schedules, followed by a question-and-answer session.

To view a recording of the meeting click on the following link: 
https://youtu.be/D_5UF1Izwn4

A recording of the meeting can also be viewed on MCTV Video on Demand: 
https://imd0mxanj2.execute-api.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ssr/watch/685f02e30baa07000283f8ff

WHAT’S NEXT

A bridge rehabilitation phase has been introduced into the transportation project delivery process. These improvements will help extend the service life of both bridges, improve safety, and maintain vital connectivity in the Keys until the PD&E Study resumes.

SCHEDULE

At this time, a date has not been set for when the PD&E Study will resume.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Outreach will continue during the next steps to keep the community informed and engaged as work progresses.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. 

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Florida Highway Administration (FHWA) and FDOT.

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the Bridge Rehabilitation Project, please contact: 

Pablo Orozco, P.E., MSCE, CPM, Structures Maintenance Engineer

Pablo.Orozco@dot.state.fl.us

Florida Department of Transportation

1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172