Avoiding Low Bridges in Broward County: Trucker's Safety Guide (2025)

Introduction

In 2024, South Florida recorded 47 bridge strikes — each incident costing an average of $150,000 in damage and often ending a driver’s career. In Broward County, where over 300 bridges crisscross historic rail corridors, beach approaches, and dense urban neighborhoods, outdated GPS systems and missing signage make low-clearance collisions a serious threat. Drivers relying on shortcuts or following car traffic frequently find themselves trapped under rail overpasses or beach access routes.

This guide provides verified Broward bridge heights, alternative truck routes, and real-time resources. With help from Florida 595 route experts, you can plan safe deliveries, avoid expensive mistakes, and stay compliant with local height restrictions. Whether you’re hauling into Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, or western Broward, local knowledge beats technology every time.

Understanding Broward's Bridge Landscape

Geographic Challenges

Broward’s unique geography includes coastal rail corridors, historic neighborhoods with narrow streets, canal crossings, and restricted beach access roads. Multiple jurisdictions create inconsistent signage and enforcement, making route planning more complex for commercial vehicles.

Common Problem Areas

Key risk zones include the FEC Railway overpasses, the Dixie Highway corridor, and downtown Fort Lauderdale streets near Flagler Village. Residential shortcuts and ongoing construction zones often confuse even experienced drivers.

Why Strikes Happen

Bridge strikes stem from GPS misdirection, night visibility issues, following car traffic without clearance awareness, and misreading or missing low-clearance signs. Detours around construction often push trucks into unsafe streets.

Critical Low Bridges by Area

Fort Lauderdale Downtown

• Andrews Ave at FEC Railway: 12'6" clearance
• NW 7th St underpass: 13'2" clearance
• Flagler Village: multiple 13'6" bridges

Best alternative: use I-95 or Federal Highway for through traffic. For local deliveries, scout ahead and avoid small side streets east of US-1.

Hollywood/Dania Beach

• Dixie Hwy at Sheridan: 12'9" clearance
• Hollywood Blvd train bridge: 13'4" clearance
• Dania Beach Blvd: 13'6" restriction

Safe routing along US-1 is reliable. For beach area drops, approach from major arteries only.

Pompano Beach/Deerfield

• Atlantic Blvd at FEC: 12'11" clearance
• Sample Rd bridge: 13'3" clearance
• Hillsboro Blvd: variable restrictions

Staying on I-95 or the Turnpike prevents most clearance issues.

Western Broward

Sawgrass Expressway ramps feature some 13'6" sections. University Drive overpasses are generally safe, but residential areas have numerous restrictions. Stick to designated truck routes.

Technology and Tools

Truck-Specific GPS

Garmin dezl, Rand McNally TND, and TruckMap offer truck-height routing. Waze can set custom heights but requires updates. Google Maps alone is unreliable for clearance data.

Real-Time Resources

Check the Broward County website, Florida 511 alerts, CB channel 19, and social media trucker groups for construction or detour warnings. Florida 595 provides local routing support with verified clearance info.

Pre-Trip Planning

• Measure actual loaded height
• Verify the entire route, including last mile
• Identify alternates and note construction
• Time your trip for daylight if possible

Height Calculation and Safety

Accurate Measurement

Check actual vs. listed height, account for tire pressure, load settling, and fifth-wheel adjustments. Always leave a 6-inch safety margin for unexpected factors.

Environmental Factors

Repaving, bridge settling, and temporary structures can lower clearances. Stay alert for changes along familiar routes.

Warning Sign Recognition

Understand yellow clearance diamonds, flashing beacons, chains, and painted height markers. Never assume a sign is wrong — verify before passing.

Alternative Routes Guide

North-South Corridors

I-95, Florida Turnpike, and US-1 main lanes have no major restrictions. SR-7/441 is generally clear. Avoid local streets east of I-95 unless verified safe.

East-West Routes

I-595 and I-75 are fully clear. Griffin Rd and Commercial Blvd are mostly safe but check for updates. Avoid beach approach roads with low overpasses.

Local Delivery Solutions

• Scout routes first or use a spotter
• Avoid peak traffic hours
• Contact the receiver for approved delivery points
• Use smaller vehicles if necessary

Emergency Procedures

If You're Stuck

• STOP — do not reverse
• Turn hazards on
• Call 911 immediately
• Secure the scene and wait for help

Reporting and Recovery

• File a police report
• Notify your company and insurance
• Document with photos and witness info
• Assess vehicle and bridge damage

Florida 595 Route Support

Florida 595’s local team helps drivers plan safe truck routes, avoid construction hazards, and find reliable delivery paths. They provide current updates, driver network insights, and recovery contacts if an incident occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the standard truck height in Florida? Most are 13'6", but always measure your own rig.

Which Broward bridges are lowest? Andrews Ave at FEC (12'6"), Dixie Hwy at Sheridan (12'9"), Atlantic Blvd at FEC (12'11").

Can I trust GPS for bridge heights? Not entirely — always verify with local sources.

What if signs show different heights? Follow the posted sign, not your GPS.

Who pays for bridge strike damage? Typically the carrier and insurance — plus fines.

Are there truck-only routes in Broward? I-95, Turnpike, and I-595 are clear. Use verified maps.

How often are heights updated? County updates monthly, but construction changes happen anytime.

What's the safest route through Broward? I-595 east-west and I-95 north-south remain fully clear.

Conclusion

Bridge strikes are costly, dangerous, and preventable. By using verified clearance data, staying on major truck routes, and planning ahead with Florida 595 support, you can protect your load, your license, and your livelihood. Don’t rely solely on GPS — rely on local expertise.