Old Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Posted by: 
moochie
N 27° 37.939 W 082° 39.944
17R E 335655 N 3057581
The Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers are located on the North and the South ends of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The piers are open 24/7 and both have snacks, bait, etc. available.
Waymark Code: WM30W4
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 01/21/2008
Views: 120
The 1st Sunshine Skyway Bridge opened in 1954. The crossing ran from St. Petersburg to Bradenton. The approach causeways led to a steep cantilever-truss crossing 150 feet above the Tampa Bay ship channel. Increasing traffic across the 2 lane bridge led to the construction of a second span. In 1971, the 2nd span opened, giving the bridge two lanes in each direction. On May 9th, 1980 at 7:38am, the freighter SUMMIT VENTURE slammed into the southbound span. It knocked 1251 feet of the center span into Tampa Bay. 35 people died in one of the worst bridge disasters in history. After the tragic accident, traffic used the 2 lane northbound span until the completion of the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge in April of 1987. In 1991, demolition of the old bridge began. Material from the center of the two steel and concrete bridges were placed in strategic locations to form artificial reefs for the planned piers. The old bridges are now the worlds longest fishing piers. Both piers are 4 lanes wide and motor vehicles are allowed to drive on the piers. Anglers can park their cars a few feet away from their favorite fishing spot. If fishing isn't your interest, the piers offer great views of the new bridge. Tremendous sunrises and sunsets can be enjoyed as well. The fishing piers are part of the Florida State Parks. No fishing license is required, but there is a nominal fee to fish on top of the entrance fee into the park.
Original Use: Vehicle - Car / Truck
Construction: Concrete
Condition: Good
Date Built: Not listed
See this website for more information: Not listed
Date Abandoned: Not listed
Bridge Status - Orphaned or Adopted.: Not listed
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