Drawbridge to be closed for 12 days

FORT LAUDERDALE — It’s official: A drawbridge along the New River will be closed to marine traffic Feb. 11-23.

U.S. Coast Guard officials approved the closing Wednesday, despite protests from shipyard owners who complained it would hurt business if done during the height of the winter yachting season.

Repairs to the Florida East Coast Railway bridge are needed to prepare for Brightline, an express passenger rail service to run between Miami and Orlando.

The bridge, just west of Andrews Avenue, is normally kept open, closing only to make way for trains. It will remain in a locked down position for a maximum of 12 days, said Ali Soule, spokeswoman for All Aboard Florida.

During the closure, yachts and smaller boats will be stuck on either side of the bridge just when they need to get to the Miami International Boat Show.

All Aboard Florida officials say the Marine Industries Association of South Florida chose the dates in February because they thought boat traffic would be reduced during the boat show.

Shipyard owners were hoping the bridge could be repaired in May, at the end of yachting season.

“We’re going to lose a lot of money over those two weeks,” said Bob Roscioli, founder of Roscioli Yachting Center. “It’s a shame. They just dug their heels in. We’re not happy about it. But nothing we can do.”