Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge over Clearwater Bay
Clearwater, FL
The Memorial Causeway Bridge connects downtown Clearwater with Clearwater Beach and is heavily used by motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. Clearwater's City Hall, Library and Convention Center overlook the site. There are important views from these locations to sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The new bridge replaced a bascule span that, when open, backed traffic into downtown Clearwater, discouraging the redevelopment of the area. The community wanted a new high level fixed bridge that would continue Clearwater's tradition of high quality civic architecture and support the redevelopment of the downtown.
The new bridge provides 330' spans over the important view corridors. Thin, tapered piers keep the view to the sunsets and Clearwater Beach open and attractive. Wide sidewalks on both sides of the bridge include overlooks for enjoying the views out to the Gulf of Mexico and back to the downtown. The bridge's graceful piers and bright underside have made the waterfront near the bridge attractive for redevelopment. Since its opening two new condominium buildings and a new marina have been built adjacent to the bridge.
"Just wanted you to know how much we've enjoyed looking at it and using it on an almost daily basis. It's sooo (sic) beautiful and such a key element in the enhancement program for downtown Clearwater."