[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]ATLANTIC BLVD. BRIDGE OPENING: The redesigned Atlantic Blvd. Bridge in Pompano Beach was officially opened tonight (June 26, 2019). Mayor Rex Hardin and other city officials oversaw the grand opening and christening ceremony.

The $5 Million construction and renovation project was funded by the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (Pompano Beach CRA).  Work on the bridge began in August 2018.

>>> PHOTOS: 100+ YEARS – THE HISTORY OF ATLANTIC BLVD. BRIDGES

A recent  press release from the city explained, “One of the most interesting features of the improvements are two large … sails at … end of [each side of] the bridge [which are accompanied by a] computer-operated lighting system allowing the sails to change colors for special occasions. For example, [on] the Fourth of July [the sails would] be lit up red, white and blue. The idea behind the nautical sails is to continue the iconic theme of the illuminated sails featured on the City’s Beach Parking Garage.…

“[The] artwork underneath the bridge [will greet] boaters and sightseers alike as the new promenade underneath the bridge connects the north and south sides of Atlantic Boulevard leading to a viewing plaza on the Intracoastal Waterway [designed so pedestrians can walk under the bridge from the northwest to the southwest sides].”

The artwork mentioned was designed by local artist nautical Dennis Friel and is one of the highlights of the newly redesigned bridge.   Earlier this year we wrote an exclusive profile of Friel that you can read here.  And, see pictures of the artwork surrounding and underneath the bridge by clicking here.

Friel’s work, along with the overall bridge design and lighted sails, represent another effort from the city to turn Pompano Beach into a destination city for tourists and residents from around South Florida.

The current Atlantic Blvd. bridge was built in 1955.  The first crossing was put in place in 1912.  We have a comprehensive history of the bridge, including rare photos. View the story by clicking here.

There are two photo galleries below.  The first is of the bridge from all different angles and sides.  The second is of the grand opening event.  Both were shot exclusively for Pompano! Magazine by photographer Jeff Graves.  

>>> PHOTOS: 100+ YEARS – THE HISTORY OF ATLANTIC BLVD. BRIDGES

This story was prepared by our Pompano Beach news desk with additional  information from various public sources and other websites.

For more Pompano Beach news and things to do in Pompano Beach read Pompano! magazine and search our website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”8268,8267,8266,8269,8270,8271,8272,8273,8274,8275,8276,8277″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”8286,8285,8278,8279,8280,8281,8282,8283,8284,8287″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”8288″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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This post was prepared by staff at Point! Publishing. For inquiries call 954-603-4553.

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