The Halfway Creek Bridge Officially Opens at Big Cypress

Providing an elevated exploration experience is one of our top priorities and today our latest major project to enhance the visitor experience at Big Cypress National Preserve is being unveiled – the Halfway Creek Bridge!

This much-needed bridge crosses the canal adjacent to the Big Cypress National Preserve Swamp Welcome Center on US 41. The canal is a popular place to view the West Indian Manatee and the alligators native to South Florida. Many other fish and crab species can be viewed in the canal, as well.

Visitors are often observed viewing these species from a highway bridge that spans the canal. This is potentially unsafe as there is no protection for the visitor from speeding vehicles within 4-5 feet of the highway bridge rail.

The new pedestrian bridge will be accessible from the welcome center parking lot, giving visitors a safe and dedicated space to peacefully view the wildlife around them. It will also allow the Preserve’s Interpretive Division an excellent field opportunity to educate its visitors on the Preserve ecosystem.

Additionally, the bridge complements plans to construct picnic shelters and accessible fishing platforms all within walking distance from the welcome center.

This project was made possible with a $70,000 grant from The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks.