Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon — Live Webcam
History of the Seven Mile Bridge: From Railway to Highway
The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most impressive engineering structures in the Florida Keys. Its history began in the early 20th century when millionaire Henry Flagler conceived the idea of extending the railroad to Key West. Construction of the old bridge took place from 1909 to 1912 under the direction of engineer Clarence S. Coe. This grand structure became part of the Florida East Coast Railway's Key West Extension — an ambitious project that contemporaries called the "Eighth Wonder of the World."
The 1935 hurricane severely damaged the railroad line, and the bridge was converted for automobile traffic. In 1938, it became part of the Overseas Highway, connecting the Florida Keys islands to the mainland. The old bridge served for decades, but by the 1970s its structures no longer met modern safety and capacity standards.
The New Bridge: An Engineering Masterpiece of the Late 20th Century
Construction of the new Seven Mile Bridge began in 1978 and was completed in May 1982. The project was developed by Figg & Muller Engineers, and construction was part of a large-scale $200 million bridge replacement program in the Florida Keys. The new bridge opened six months ahead of schedule and received eight awards, including the Exceptional Award for outstanding engineering solutions.
The new bridge's structure rests on 546 support piers that extend deep into the waters of the Florida Strait. The bridge connects Knight's Key in the Middle Keys with Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys, providing uninterrupted vehicular traffic between the islands. The length of the crossing gave the structure its name — the "Seven Mile Bridge" sounds like a symbol of scale and engineering boldness.
Marathon — The Heart of the Florida Keys
The city of Marathon is located in the Middle Keys, approximately 110 miles south of Miami. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists traveling along the Overseas Highway. Marathon is famous for its beaches, fishing, and diving. The resort area with a pool and oceanfront restaurant is exactly what viewers see on the live webcam.
Marathon has a tropical climate with warm winters and hot summers. Ocean water temperature rarely drops below 20°C, making this destination attractive for year-round vacations. Palm trees, turquoise water, and a gentle ocean breeze create the atmosphere of a true tropical paradise.
The Old Bridge: Pedestrian Zone and Historic Landmark
After the new bridge opened, the old structure was not demolished. A portion of the old bridge, including a 2.2-mile section, was reconstructed and opened in 2022 for pedestrians and cyclists. Now tourists can walk along the historic structure, enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and the adjacent new bridge.
The old bridge is known as the Knights Key-Pigeon Key-Moser Channel-Pacet Channel Bridge. It was built in 1912 and converted for automobile use in 1938 after the 1935 hurricane. Today it is a popular spot for walks, photography, and watching sunsets. The webcam in Marathon allows you to see both bridges simultaneously — the old and the new, standing parallel to each other.
How to Get to the Seven Mile Bridge
Most tourists begin their journey to the Florida Keys from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. You need to rent a car and drive south on the Overseas Highway (US Route 1). This route is part of a 2,369-mile highway that runs along the US East Coast from Florida to Maine.
The drive to Marathon takes about two hours from Miami. Along the way, you can stop at numerous beaches, dive centers, and seafood restaurants. The Seven Mile Bridge itself is clearly visible from the road, but to truly appreciate its scale, it's worth stopping at the parking lot at the entrance to the old bridge and walking across.
What You Can See on the Camera
The live webcam in Marathon streams a resort area with an outdoor pool and a restaurant's coastal terrace. In the foreground is a large outdoor pool with blue water, surrounded by a paved area with tables, chairs, and umbrellas. Tall palm trees and decorative potted palms create a shaded relaxation area for guests.
Beyond the recreation area, there is a view of the ocean waters and the Seven Mile Bridge stretching far across the water surface. The area features street lamps, stone curbs, and landscaping elements. The webcam operates in real time, allowing viewers to observe resort life and ocean scenery at any time of day.
