Florida’s historic Old Seven Mile Bridge – which originally carried steam trains – reopens after $44 million renovation for cyclists and walkers
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The historic Old Seven Mile Bridge in Florida has reopened following a huge $44 million renovation. Originally built as an overseas railway in 1912, the bridge was a feat of engineering in its day, connecting mainland Florida to its southernmost point, Key West.
The 2.2-mile section, near the city of Marathon, was closed in 2017 for restoration, and, since reopening last month, pedestrians and cyclists can now walk, cycle and skate across the stunning structure.
Restoration work included structural steel repairs, new decking and bicycle handrails to make the pedestrianized stretch safer for recreational use.
The attraction, which was originally called the Knights Key-Pigeon Key-Moser Channel-Pacet Channel Bridge, was built as part of railroad magnate Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad.
The iconic bridge suffered damage from a hurricane in 1935 and was refurbished to carry cars. However, in 1982, the new Seven Mile Bridge was built parallel to the historic one to take the traffic.
After this, the retired ‘Old Seven’ evolved into a recreation area for walkers and cyclists on a scenic stretch that became known as a bucket-list destination in America.
The renovated section is the gateway to Pigeon Key, a tiny island nestled beneath the old bridge that was once home to about 400 workers who constructed the railway. Kelly McKinnon, executive director of the Pigeon Key Foundation and one of only four permanent residents on the island, noted that the bridge was used by nearly a quarter of a million people in the year prior to the start of the renovation project.
‘As you come onto Pigeon Key, you really do step back in time,’ McKinnon said. ‘It’s fantastic to walk around, see these original structures, be on the same ground that these men 100-plus years ago were on.’
Today, the tiny island boasts a marine science center and museum. It also invites visitors to snorkel from the shore to explore the crystal-clear waters.
Future plans include a new 60-passenger tram to take visitors back and forth to Pigeon Key, which is expected to launch this spring.