Governor Ron DeSantis celebrates the early completion of the NASA Causeway Bridge in Brevard County, opening six months ahead of schedule
Titusville, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the early completion of the NASA Causeway Bridge in Brevard County, marking a major milestone for Florida’s growing aerospace industry. The second of the two bridges is set to open to traffic on Wednesday, March 19—six months ahead of schedule. This achievement underscores Florida’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure that supports the rapid expansion of space-related operations.
The new fixed-span bridges stretch 4,025 feet across the Indian River and are designed to accommodate the increasing size and volume of payloads and space industry vehicles traveling through the region. Unlike the previous drawbridge, these modern structures eliminate the need for openings, allowing for a smoother and more efficient flow of traffic.
With the final phase of the project now complete, traffic patterns will transition to their intended configuration. Westbound vehicles will move onto the newly finished bridge, while the existing bridge will be dedicated exclusively to eastbound traffic. This long-term infrastructure improvement is expected to benefit not only the space industry but also residents and businesses in the surrounding communities.
“Cape Canaveral Spaceport broke records with 93 launches and 2.7 million pounds of space cargo last year—and we’re expecting over 150 launches this year,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is committed to building the infrastructure the space industry needs to keep growing, and with these new bridges, Florida is more ready than ever to become home to NASA’s new headquarters.”
The $128 million project was made possible through a strong partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), NASA, and Space Florida. The first of the two bridges was completed 125 days ahead of schedule in 2023 and has already facilitated over 1,000 space industry transports. It has played a crucial role in serving key launch partners at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, including NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.
The new bridges are part of a broader effort to modernize Florida’s space-related infrastructure, ensuring that the state remains a global leader in the aerospace sector. With companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing expanding their operations, efficient transportation routes are critical for maintaining and accelerating growth in the industry.
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue emphasized the department’s dedication to collaborating with space industry leaders and local communities to meet their evolving transportation needs. “The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) worked closely with our space industry partners and our local communities to meet their vision for the area and their transportation needs,” Perdue said. “This NASA Causeway Bridge project along with the Space Commerce Way widening project will support the growing workforce and evolving needs of this community and our state long into the future.”
In addition to the bridge project, FDOT completed the expansion of Space Commerce Way in late 2024. This 2.7-mile widening effort increased the road from two to four lanes, providing better access for oversized loads traveling between NASA Parkway West, Kennedy Parkway, and the region’s space industry hubs.
The successful completion of the NASA Causeway Bridge ahead of schedule highlights Florida’s proactive approach to supporting its booming aerospace sector. By investing in critical infrastructure, the state is ensuring that companies and government agencies operating in the region have the resources they need to continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
As Florida prepares for another record-breaking year of space launches and industry advancements, the completion of these bridges stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to innovation and economic growth. The early completion of the project not only saves time and resources but also strengthens Florida’s position as a leader in the global space industry.
