Updated Bridge Schedule Aims to Alleviate Traffic in Palm Beach

Starting Sunday, December 1, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard announced an updated bridge schedule for the three bridges connecting West Palm Beach and Palm Beach. This new schedule is a collaborative effort with the Town of Palm Beach to ease traffic and congestion caused by road closures mandated by the U.S. Secret Service in connection with ongoing security measures around President-Elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

Key Changes to the Bridge Opening Schedule

The new schedule primarily affects three key bridges in the area: (1) the Flagler Memorial Bridge (AKA the north bridge), (2) the Royal Park Bridge (AKA the middle bridge), and (3) the Southern Boulevard Bridge (AKA the south bridge).

*Credit: Town of Palm Beach Planned Traffic Impacts*

Flagler Memorial Bridge (“The North Bridge”):

Regular Opening Times: The north bridge will open on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour.
Exceptions:
- Peak Rush Hour Changes (Monday – Friday, excluding holidays):
  - From 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the bridge will only open at the quarter hour.
- Security Zone Enforcement (Monday – Friday, excluding holidays):
  - From 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., it will open only on the quarter hour.
  - From 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., openings will occur on both the quarter hour and three-quarter hour.
  - From 2:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., openings will occur only on the quarter hour.
  - From 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., openings will be on both the quarter hour and three-quarter hour.

Royal Park Bridge (“The Middle Bridge”):

Regular Opening Times: The middle bridge will open on the hour and half-hour.
Exceptions:
- Peak Rush Hour Changes (Monday – Friday, excluding holidays):
  - From 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the bridge will only open on the half-hour.
- Security Zone Enforcement (Monday – Friday, excluding holidays):
  - From 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., it will open only on the half-hour.
  - From 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., openings will occur on both the hour and half-hour.
  - From 2:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., openings will occur only on the half-hour.
  - From 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., openings will be on both the hour and half-hour.

Southern Boulevard Bridge (“The South Bridge”):

Regular Opening Times: The south bridge will open on both the quarter hour and three-quarter hour.
Exceptions:
- Peak Rush Hour Changes (Monday – Friday, excluding holidays):
  - From 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., openings will occur only on the quarter hour.
- Security Zone Enforcement: During security enforcement, the bridge may be closed without prior notice to allow the passage of dignitaries. When not under security measures, the bridge will open on the quarter and three-quarter hour, or as directed by authorities.

Long-Term Bridge Opening Plan

The updated bridge schedules are part of a temporary measure that will remain in place until March 31, 2025. These changes aim to minimize the impact on local traffic, particularly during the ongoing security operations in the vicinity of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. As the Palm Beach and West Palm Beach communities continue to adjust to these new security protocols, officials are hopeful that the updated schedules will alleviate congestion while maintaining safety and order.