Virgin Trains USA and Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) are pursuing the feasibility of replacing the current 100-year-old bridge with a new double-track bridge that will provide greater vertical and horizontal clearances for boaters during railroad operations.

Currently, the clearance is between 5-6 feet when the Rail Bridge is down.  If the proposed bridge is constructed, the clearance will be approximately 18 feet and will allow approximately 90 percent of the current marine traffic to pass even when the bridge is down.  In addition, the design will provide for a better flow of tidal waters and will almost triple the navigable portion for marine traffic.  It is likely that doubling the capacity of the bridge will result in a significant reduction in trains being forced to stop and block traffic crossings while waiting for a train traveling the other direction to utilize the bridge.  The proposed resolution supports the pursuit of grants and funding for the bridge and doesn't obligate the City of Stuart for any actual or direct costs.