Indian River Inlet and Bridge

Indian River Inlet and Bridge. Nature vs. Technology. , The Indian River Inlet has not always existed in its current location. This barrier beach environment is dynamic, and the opening to the inlet has opened and closed at different locations., When the inlet closed, navigation, water quality, mosquito control and the fishing industry all suffered. In November of 1929, dynamite was used to open up the inlet which was later dredged to keep it open to navigation., In 1934, a simple wooden bridge over the inlet completed the construction of Ocean Highway, which is now State Route 1. By the late 1930s, jetties were constructed to stabilize the inlet., In 1938, a concrete and steel swing bridge replaced the deteriorating wooden design. In 1940, the bridge was named for Charles W. Cullen, Chairman of Commissioners for the State Highway Commission., In 1962, a steel-girder bridge, supported by concrete piers replaced the swing bridge. Over time, the currents through the inlet scoured the channel and threatened the future stability of the bridge. The current bridge, completed in 2012, spans the entire inlet and is expected to last more than 100 years.