Mathers Bridge on Merritt Island has been closed to boating traffic since Thursday, Feb. 26, after an unoccupied boat struck the structure. Brevard County Public Works confirmed the closure but said the bridge remains open for vehicles. Officials are assessing damage to the 700-foot bridge, which was first opened in 1927 and connects South Tropical Trail on Merritt Island to Banana River Drive in Indian Harbour Beach. The collision occurred in the early hours of the day, though no injuries have been reported.
The bridge is a key link for boaters traveling between the Banana River and the southern part of Merritt Island. Local mariners have expressed concern over the closure, with some noting the lack of temporary navigation aids or alternative routes. 'It’s a busy area for recreational boating,' said one fisherman who asked not to be named. 'People rely on this bridge for access to the river.'
Brevard County Public Works spokesperson Lisa Torres said crews are inspecting the bridge for structural damage. 'We’re prioritizing safety until we determine the extent of the damage,' she said. No timeline for reopening has been announced. The incident has also raised questions about the enforcement of boating regulations in the area, though officials declined to comment on potential changes.
Mathers Bridge has been a fixture in Brevard County for nearly a century. Built during the height of the citrus industry, it once carried trucks transporting fruit to processing plants. Today, it serves as a popular spot for kayakers and fishermen. The closure has disrupted local traffic, with some boaters rerouting through nearby canals. Officials say updates will be shared as assessments continue.