Anyone who lives in Vero Beach knows just how lucky they are. With easy beach access and plenty to do, Florida’s Treasure Coast is a great place to call home. It’s also a wonderful place to visit, with tens of thousands of tourists staying here each year.
However, recent construction projects may make life in Vero Beach a little less idyllic. The 2 main bridges that connect the city to the island – the 17th Street Bridge and the Barber Bridge – are both undergoing much-needed upgrades. These construction projects have already caused traffic delays – which may lead to an increase in motor vehicle accidents due to frustrated or impatient drivers.
At Gould Cooksey Fennell, we represent individuals and families who have been hurt in all types of accidents – including car crashes. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a Vero Beach car accident attorney, reach out to our law firm today.
Construction and Traffic on the Barber Bridge and 17th Street Bridge
In Vero Beach, bridges are a fact of life. They play a key role in connecting mainland Vero Beach to North Hutchinson Island. This includes two heavily used bridges: the Merrill P. Barber Bridge and the 17th Street Bridge (aka the Alma Lee Joy Bridge).
These bridges are frequently traversed by locals and tourists alike as they travel to some of the Treasure Coast’s most popular beaches. In fact, according to the Indian River County Traffic Engineering Department, in 2023 alone, more than 30,000 vehicles traveled Indian River Boulevard past the Barber Bridge on a single day. More than 20,000 vehicles cross the Barber Bridge each day, while over 22,000 vehicles cross the 17th Street Bridge.
Traffic and congestion can already be difficult on both bridges, especially during peak beach times. However, with construction projects underway for both the Barber Bridge and the 17th Street Bridge, it has the potential to be an even bigger traffic nightmare.
The Barber Bridge is undergoing a major $3.7 million improvement project that is designed to add a second left-turn lane onto the bridge, extend the right-turn lane onto the bridge, replace traffic signals, and improve pedestrian and bicycle operation and safety. The project started in January 2025 and is expected to last through fall 2025.
At the same time, the 17th Street Bridge is undergoing a $22.3 million improvement project. This construction will replace 400 feet of the existing bridge, seal the full length of the bridge deck surface, and upgrade both the signage and pavement markings for the bridge. The 17th Street Bridge project started in September 2023 and isn’t expected to be completed until summer 2028.
Vero Beach locals saw major shifts in traffic when the 17th Street Bridge closed for 2 weeks in December 2024. In fact, motorists reported that it took them twice as long to reach their destination after being routed to the Barber Bridge. At one point, Beachland Boulevard was backed up for its entire length throughout the day, with traffic either attempting to get on or off the island using the Barber Bridge.
With construction now started on the Barber Bridge, traffic and delays are expected to get even worse. While the total closure has been changed to lane restrictions on the 17th Street Bridge, the sheer volume of cars seeking to use these two bridges will still make for difficult driving. In fact, Vero Beach police have even suggested that motorists drive 9 miles north to the Wabasso Bridge or 15 miles south to the Fort Pierce Bridge to avoid the congestion.
Construction Can Lead to More Accidents
Any time that there is road construction, the likelihood of car accidents increases. This is often due to factors such as:
- Uneven road surfaces
- Poorly-marked detours
- Lane changes
- Inadequate warning signs
- Construction equipment and debris
In Vero Beach, there is also an increased likelihood of accidents due to driver impatience given the anticipated traffic delays.
The 17th Street Bridge and Barber Bridge are the two main arteries between the mainland and the island in Vero Beach. Together, these bridges see more than 42,000 vehicle crossings each day. When these bridges are closed at the same time – or traffic is restricted – due to construction, drivers are bound to get frustrated. This can lead to traffic accidents.
Impatient drivers are incredibly dangerous. When a motorist is angry about traffic or being late, they are more likely to engage in careless or aggressive driving. This may include speeding, passing other vehicles illegally, running red lights, tailgating, or disregarding others’ right of way.
Any of these issues could cause motor vehicle accidents. A driver who swerves into oncoming traffic or makes an illegal u-turn to get around traffic could cause a head-on collision or side-swipe another vehicle. Road rage – like tailgating – can cause rear-end accidents.
When drivers are stressed and frustrated on the road, the likelihood of traffic accidents increases. With major construction happening on both the Barber Bridge and the 17th Street Bridge, we can expect an increase in accidents.
While you can’t always avoid car accidents, there are steps that you can take to reduce the chances of being in a crash with an impatient driver. To start, you may consider alternative routes so that you aren’t anywhere near either of these bridges. Even though the next closest bridges are still a distance away, it might save you time to drive out of your way if traffic is backed up in Vero Beach – and help you avoid being in a crash.
You can also practice your defensive driving skills. Make sure to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of yours, and be alert for anyone driving dangerously or erratically. If someone is driving in an aggressive way behind you, consider pulling over to let them pass.
If you are hurt in a Vero Beach bridge accident, we can help. Our team of experienced Treasure Coast personal injury attorneys helps accident victims get the compensation that they deserve for their injuries. We will stand by your side and help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their careless or reckless actions.
Help for Vero Beach Bridge Accident Victims
While maintenance and improvements to the 17th Street and Barber Bridges may be necessary, it is still causing major headaches in Vero Beach. It may also lead to a spike in auto accidents as impatient drivers act recklessly behind the wheel. If you were hurt in a bridge accident, we can help you hold the at-fault driver responsible.
Gould Cooksey Fennell represents accident victims in Florida’s Treasure Coast. We are fierce advocates for our clients, working hard to get them maximum compensation for their injuries. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Vero Beach car accident lawyer, give us a call at 772-228-1043 or fill out our online contact form.
