If you drive A1A across the top of the barrier island, get ready for a long haul. The Florida Department of Transportation started a $102 million project on Monday, June 1 to replace the Sebastian Inlet Bridge — and it's scheduled to run for about six years.
The bridge is the crossing at the north end of the island that links Indian River County with Brevard County, spanning one of the most popular fishing and boating spots on Florida's east coast. It's aging, and a full replacement — not a patch — is what FDOT decided the structure needs.
The good news for drivers: the crossing will stay open throughout construction, except in emergencies. The bad news: 'open' and 'convenient' aren't the same thing. A six-year build means years of lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, and slowdowns, especially during peak weekends when anglers and beachgoers pack the inlet.
This comes on the heels of other work at the inlet — the Sebastian Inlet dredging project, which cleared the channel and a 42-acre sand trap on the southwest side, wrapped up back in April. So the whole inlet area has been a hive of activity in 2026.
For the 772, the Sebastian Inlet Bridge is a genuine lifeline — for tourism, for fishing, and for anyone commuting between Indian River and Brevard. A new bridge is worth the wait, but plan your inlet trips with patience for the next several years.