Venetian Causeway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Venetian Causeway |
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View of the Venetian Causeway from Downtown Miami, east toward Miami Beach in 2002.
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| Crosses | Biscayne Bay |
| Locale | Miami to Miami Beach |
| Maintained by | MDX |
| Heritage status | NRHP (1989) |
| Preceded by | Collins Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Bascule |
| Total length | 2.8 miles (4.5 km) |
| Longest span | 0.4 miles (0.64 km) |
| History | |
| Designer | Harvey Stanley, Raymond Concrete Pile Co. |
| Opened | 1925 (original causeway & bridges) 1999 (current bridges) |
| Statistics | |
| Toll | $3.00 |
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Venetian Causeway
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| NRHP reference No. | 89000852 |
| Added to NRHP | July 13, 1989 |
The Venetian Causeway is a famous road that connects Miami on the mainland to Miami Beach on a barrier island in sunny south Florida. This special road crosses Biscayne Bay. The causeway and the man-made Venetian Islands were built using materials dug up from the bay itself.
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A Bridge with History
The Venetian Causeway follows the path of an even older bridge. This was the Collins Bridge, a wooden structure built in 1913. It was about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long. Builders John S. Collins and Carl G. Fisher created it. This first bridge helped Miami Beach grow a lot.
How the Causeway Works
The causeway has two bascule bridges. A bascule bridge is a type of drawbridge. It can open up to let boats pass underneath.
Paying to Cross
There is one toll plaza on the causeway. It is located on Biscayne Island. This is the island closest to Miami. It costs $3.00 (US) for a car to cross.
Starting and Ending Your Journey
When you start on the Miami side, you will see two tall columns. They say "VENETIAN WAY" vertically. There is also a sign telling drivers about a weight limit.
On the Miami Beach side, you have choices for where to go. You can turn north onto Dade Boulevard. Or you can go east onto 17th Street. This street leads to popular places like Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Lincoln Road. You can also reach City Hall, the Convention Center, and the beach.
A Modern Makeover
The Venetian Causeway got a big update in 1999. A $29 million project restored and replaced parts of it. After this work, the causeway was officially opened again.
Fun on the Causeway
Many people love to use the causeway for exercise. It is a popular spot for jogging and bicycling. It offers great views of the bay while you get your workout!
See also
In Spanish: Venetian Causeway para niños
