Bridges, Waterways To Close For Winterfest Boat Parade

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - It's that's time of year again.

As owners finish putting the twinkling touches on their boats, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is almost at our dock steps.

Along with bringing holiday cheer to parts of the city on Dec. 10, these sparkling barges will also cause various bridge and waterway closings. The parade starts at 6:00 p.m. in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, but various bridges and waterways will be closed long before the event gets underway.

Bridges affected by the parade will include those at 7th Avenue, the FEC Railroad crossing, Andrews Avenue, 3rd Avenue, Las Olas Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard, Oakland Park Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard.

For drivers trying to get around before the parade, or while its in progress, there are alternate routes.  Those traveling North or South can use Federal Highway or I-95. For travel East or West, good alternates are Broward Boulevard, the 17th Street Causeway and Davie Boulevard near Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The parade will also cause various areas near the parade route to be closed.  Starting at 2:30 p.m., the New River will be closed to boat traffic from Channel Marker 9 to South Fork near Davie Boulevard (along the North Fork west of SW 11th Ave).

Areas around the New River on the Intracoastal Waterway will be closed to boat traffic starting at 4:30 p.m. and later at 5:20 p.m. for areas to the north (Oakland Park Blvd. and north).

Those attending by water will be able to anchor their boat North of the triangle to view the parade.

Bridge closing times vary depending on the route. For more information on bridge and waterway closings, Click Here .