Florida’s space industry infrastructure has received a major upgrade, as Governor Ron DeSantis announced the early completion of the NASA Causeway Bridge in Brevard County. The second of two bridges, completed six months ahead of schedule, will officially open to traffic on Wednesday, March 19.
The project, which spans 4,025 feet over the Indian River, replaces the previous drawbridge system with fixed-span bridges, eliminating the need for drawbridge openings. The taller and wider bridges are designed to support increasing traffic and accommodate larger space industry vehicles, crucial for the growing high-tech aerospace corridor along Florida’s Space Coast.
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The $128 million project was a result of a collaboration between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), NASA, and Space Florida. It is expected to enhance efficiency for the numerous payloads and aerospace components transported to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized Florida’s commitment to expanding space industry capabilities, citing record-breaking activity at Cape Canaveral Spaceport:
“Cape Canaveral Spaceport broke records with 93 launches and 2.7 million pounds of space cargo last year—and we’re expecting over 150 launches this year,” said DeSantis. “Florida is committed to building the infrastructure the space industry needs to keep growing, and with these new bridges, Florida is more ready than ever to become home to NASA’s new headquarters.”
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The first of the two bridges was completed 125 days ahead of schedule in 2023 and has already facilitated over 1,000 space industry transports.
The new westbound bridge will now allow traffic to transition to its final configuration, with:
- Westbound traffic using the newly completed bridge
- Eastbound traffic utilizing the existing bridge
This new system is expected to streamline transportation for launch partners, including NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Beyond the NASA Causeway Bridge, FDOT also completed the widening of Space Commerce Way in late 2024. The 2.7-mile expansion project increased the road from two lanes to four, improving the transportation of oversized loads to and from Kennedy Space Center, Exploration Park, and other aerospace hubs.
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. highlighted the importance of these projects for Florida’s space industry.
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“The Florida Department of Transportation worked closely with our space industry partners and local communities to meet their vision for the area and their transportation needs. This NASA Causeway Bridge project, along with the Space Commerce Way widening project, will support the growing workforce and evolving needs of this community and our state long into the future,” Perdue said.
With NASA considering a headquarters move to the Space Coast, Florida is making significant investments in infrastructure to solidify its status as a global space industry leader. The completion of these key projects positions the state to handle increasing aerospace activity, supporting both commercial and government space missions for years to come.
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