Automotive
Florida Keys highway spans 113 miles across 42 bridges
Jalopnik highlights the historical conversion of Florida's Overseas Highway from a 1930s railway into a roadway.
The short version
- The 113-mile Overseas Highway links mainland Florida to the Florida Keys across 42 bridges.[Jalopnik]
- Originally built as a railroad, it was converted for vehicular travel by the federal government in 1938 following severe storm damage.[Jalopnik]
- The roadway features mostly single lanes in each direction, limiting opportunities for drivers to pull off and view scenery.[Jalopnik]
Key facts
- The Overseas Highway stretches 113 miles and includes 42 bridges to connect mainland Florida to the Florida Keys.[Jalopnik]
- Real estate developer Henry Flagler initially conceived the route as a railroad line.[Jalopnik]
- The federal government repurposed the infrastructure into a highway in 1938 after a storm damaged the rail tracks.[Jalopnik]
- The current road configuration features primarily one lane in each direction, with occasional four-lane segments.[Jalopnik]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.