Bridge Phobia

[barbeau]

Ok, I know it's silly, but I really don't like bridges. I have become acclimated to the two that you have to cross on the Beeline (528) to get to the port. We are cruising in May, so that's not a problem. But, during the week of Easter, I'm driving down with my daughter to hopefully view the space shuttle launch. We will be staying on Cocoa Beach. After I cross the two bridges on 528 and I'm near the Radisson, do I have another bridge to cross to get to Cocoa Beach? And to get to the Kennedy Space Center from there---what will I encounter?

I'm trying hard to get my brain to realize there is nothing to worry about, but those of you with phobias can understand, I hope! I just don't want to be surprised.

Thanks!!

 

[Michelle]

Barbeau, we are kindred souls! I developed a bridge phobia while traveling in Florida years ago when I had to drive over some HUGE, long bridge to get somewhere...I don't even remember where, but since then I really hate driving on bridges over water. I force myself to do it because I refuse to give in to the totally irrational fear, but it definitely makes my heart pound and my hands clammy when I do so. So I do TOTALLY understand your concern!

I wish I could answer your question about driving to KSC but I haven't been there. I'm sure there are others who have who can tell you what to expect in terms of bridges.

Good luck, and enjoy the shuttle launch and you cruise!

 

[Dodie]

I don't have your answer, but wanted to let you know that you are not "crazy," unless we both are! I hate bridges too. I used to actually hold my breath when we crossed big ones as a child.

Someone here will know the answer to your question...
Good luck!

 

[barbeau]

I don't have the answer yet, but thanks for your support! Yes, I used to close my eyes as a child too. I think mine got worse when I once drove to New Orleans & had to cross two huge monsters that left my hands clenched to the steering wheel.

 

[iloverags2]

Barbeau...I also don't have an answer for you but wanted you to know you are not alone out there. I'm not much of a bridge person either (used to close my eyes and sweat alot when crossing them). Now that I live in Jacksonville, I've been forced to get used to them. Have to cross a three mile one over the St. John's River often during the week. And while living in Miami we went to Key West a few times...on the way down there, you cross the famous "seven mile bridge" and we are talking the Florida Keys are tiny!
Hope you can find the information you need and enjoy the shuttle launch and space center...they are awesome!

 

[TnRobin]

I am not sure about Kennedy Space Center, but there are no additional bridges to Cocoa Beach.

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

It's been a few years since we've been there, and the memory about bridges is a little fuzzy...

If you can handle the bridges on 528 getting out to the port, then you shoulnd't have a major problem getting up to Space Port USA. You'll just head west on 528, and then north on North Courtenay Parkway up to NASA Parkway - it looks likes there's a short bridge just after you turn off of 528.

The only other bridges it looks like you might need to cross is if you take one of the bus tours out to the launch complexes (and I think this is only if you take the tour to see some of the older complexes, I don't recall any bridges on the shuttle launch complex/VAB bus tour).

Likewise, if you are just planning on taking the tour of the KSC museum, then it doesn't look like there are any additional bridges.

 

[doulasue]

Maybe you could ask your local AAA office for a trip-tic, that would probably lay out the whole route for you, and tell you of any bridges to cross? Just a thought.
Good luck

 

[my3kids]

I can rock climb, I can do high ropes, I'll fly, but I H-A-T-E bridges. The one entering Savannah from the north(17 maybe) about did me in. Not only do I hate going over them, I hate going under them. The interstate intersections where roads are seemingly suspended above me in all directions like a spider's legs that got twisted makes me absolutely ill. I don't know how many you'll encounter on your trip, but it is that many to many, in my opinion!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I can't add anything to the discussion of bridges encountered on the Space Coast... but I'd like to suggest a bridge for you to <b><i>avoid</i></b>...

there are two bridges crossing the Cooper River, connecting Charleston, SC with Mount Pleasant. The older of the two bridges is very narrow... only two narrow lanes. I don't have a bridge phobia, but I hated driving across that one.

 

[albiats]

I went to the Kennedy Space Center Website and I found this map of the area: KSC Map

It should help you find the route with the fewest bridges, and hopefully, you can deal with the ones that are left.

I believe the larger bridges in Florida will be the ones that carry the roadway over the Intracoastal Waterway and they're pretty much unavoidable when going from the mainland to the Coast. But you could plan your trip so that you only cross it once when you arrive and once when you leave.

I'm adding a link to the Port Canaveral Website that has a map in color. I thought you might use that one as a reference since you're familiar with the Cruise Terminal. Port Canaveral Map

 

[barbeau]

Thanks for the maps, Albiat. I had been looking for some, but these are the clearest I have seen. It looks as if I can just use the Beeline to cross over & then head up to KSC on Highway 3, and not deal with any new bridges.

Yes, Dave, I have read & heard about the Cooper River Bridge, and have no intentions of going near that one! I'll be driving down I-95 from N.C., so I do have to go through Jacksonville---don't really like that stretch either, but I've done it before.

I appreciate all the nice comments!

 

[iloverags2]

barbeau...when driving through Jacksonville, are you staying on 95 or taking 295 around the downtown area? Just wanted to give you some pointers. The 95 bridge through downtown has been redone. They're just finishing it up. It now is much, much higher than it was before, so they no longer have to worry about raising the bridge to let boats pass.
As for 295, that is where the 3-mile bridge is.

 

[barbeau]

iloverrags2,

I take I-95. The times I've been through before, there has been a lot of construction, so it wasn't pleasant. Having it higher doesn't really comfort me, but I just focus on the road & try not to look at the views. I do believe I saw a long bridge in the distance---that must be the 3-mile one you referred to. Seeing those kinds of things around me is not good.

I wish I could get over this thing; it's so embarrassing! But, if I'm forwarned, I do much better. I have a recurring nightmare of driving along an unknown stretch & coming upon a bridge that I HAVE to go over---no turning back---and I guess that's the biggest fear!

 

[albiats]

I think the new bridge over the St. Johns River on I-95 in Jacksonville is only a moderate amount higher than the previous one. It was designed so that it's tall enough that boats can sail under it and the old drawbridge is now locked in the open position.

If you can concentrate on the buildings and the skyline, it isn't bad at all. It's even pleasant at night with the Riverwalk area being lit up and the buildings around it. There's a smaller bridge to the east of the I-95 bridge that has a tube of blue light running horizontally across it. When our Transit Authority 'people mover' is running, the light goes out in the section when the cars pass by and then relights after it's gone.

Our Transit Authority has a 'Skyway Express' that is very similar to WDW's Monorail. I can't post a picture anymore but here's a link to a picture on the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Website:
JTA Skyway Express