One of the most frustrating things we can experience as drivers is getting stuck somewhere that makes us late. Some delays are unexpected; others happen like clockwork and somehow never get any less annoying. One example happens right at 9 a.m. in Miami, Florida, when the Brickell Avenue Bridge reopens to boats after the morning rush-hour restriction ends. For drivers trying to cross at exactly the wrong time, that can mean sitting and watching the bridge go up instead of getting where they need to be.
One Reddit user recently shared a post titled: “The Brickell Bridge opening at 9 am is insane,” which, believe it or not, caught the attention of many in Miami. According to the Reddit user, the 9 a.m. opening of the Brickell Bridge is the worst part.
The Reddit user said they watched the bridge remain open from 9 a.m. until nearly 9:20 a.m., estimating that about 200 people were stuck waiting for it to close. Naturally, that led to plenty of frustration, especially since many people are still trying to get to work at that time. The Redditor argued that extending the morning no-open period by just 10 minutes could make a difference.
There is actually a reason 9 a.m. can be such a headache. Under the Brickell Avenue Bridge’s operating schedule, the bridge does not have to open for boats between 7:35 a.m. and 8:59 a.m. on weekdays. After that restriction ends, however, the bridge can open at 9 a.m. if a vessel needs to pass.
During weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the bridge can generally open on the hour and half-hour, with additional restrictions during morning, lunchtime, and evening rush periods. That means drivers arriving at 9 a.m. can potentially hit the first opening immediately after the morning restriction ends.
Yet, many on the Miami Reddit weren’t surprised at all. Since the bridge has been causing headaches for drivers for years, some saw the traffic as just another part of getting around the city. That doesn’t mean people agree with how hectic it can get to cross the bridge.
Miami Locals Say Brickell Bridge Traffic Is Nothing New
While most opinions in the Reddit post sympathized with the OP, many saw it as normal and urged the Redditor to get used to it.
“Welcome to Miami.”
“You must be new here.”
A few others have already given up on dealing with the bridge and talked about the other options they use when commuting.
“Always take the I-95. Taking the bridge is a coin toss.“
For longtime Miami drivers, getting stuck at the Brickell Avenue Bridge might be nothing new. However, the Redditor’s frustration with the timing makes more sense once you consider the schedule.
The morning restriction ends at 8:59 a.m., so the bridge could go up just one minute later, at 9 a.m. For anyone still making their way to work, that one-minute difference can turn an ordinary Miami commute into a much longer wait.
