The John Singletary Bridge on US 98 has been a vital part of the community since 1928. The bridge was rededicated as the John Singletary Bridge in February 1931, honoring the late John Singletary, Polk County Commissioner from 1927 to 1931, who was from Fort Meade and instrumental in getting the bridge built.

This project underscores FDOT’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the communities it serves. The previous bridge, nearly a century old, posed significant safety risks and no longer met the functional demands or modern design standards required for today’s transportation needs.

The new John Singletary Bridge delivers major upgrades in safety, connectivity, and economic resilience. Its wider lanes dramatically reduce the risk of crashes and near-miss incidents, while a protected sidewalk, dual bike lanes, and a multi-use path offer safer, more accessible options for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the Peace River. The bridge is also significantly taller and more robust, designed to withstand severe weather and minimize flood-related disruptions. With these enhancements, the new bridge not only addresses long-standing safety concerns—it sets a higher standard for infrastructure in the region.

Major flooding issues during significant storm events on the east side of the Peace River will be addressed with a longer and higher bridge spanning over the Peace River and a tributary of the Peace River located east of the waterway.

Though the city of Fort Meade is a small community, its economic impact is powerful providing a vital east-west trucking link across Florida. The location of the bridge saves time and expenses, avoiding a 15-mile detour to the nearest crossing.

Although most Fort Meade residents can’t remember life without the 92-year-old structure, they are excited about the completion of the new bridge because of the enhancements that it includes. Natives will tell you that this project has been a long time coming and they are ecstatic about seeing this project come to fruition since interest to renovate the bridge spans as far back as the early 70s.

Background:

The FDOT conducted a Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) study between 2013 and 2018. The existing bridge was constructed in 1931 and its narrow width makes it functionally obsolete.

On Friday, May 30, the ribbon was cut celebrating the completion of the US 98 John Singletary Bridge Replacement in Fort Meade. Approximately 150 residents, elected officials and those who worked on the bridge were in attendance to help celebrate its completion. 

Speakers Melony Bell, Polk County Supervisor of Elections, Samuel Berrien, Fort Meade Mayor, Jim Watts, Fort Meade Commissioner District 3, Nicole Mills, FDOT D1 Director of Transportation Development, Roger White, Ace Ranch - Cattle Rancher and Developer and Jenny Brown, Granddaughter of John Singletary shared their experiences and thoughts on the new bridge.

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On Friday, November 3, the public helped celebrate the start of construction of the US 98 John Singletary Bridge Replacement at the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area, off U.S. Highway 98.

Speakers John Kubler, FDOT District One Director of Transportation Operations, Melony Bell, Florida House of Representatives District 49, Bill Braswell, Polk County Commission Vice Chairman, and James Watts, Fort Meade Mayor shared their experiences and thoughts on the new bridge.

The new bridge includes:

• Two 12' lanes replacing the current 10' lanes
• A 12' wide multi-use path on the south side of the bridge
• A 6' wide sidewalk on the north side of the bridge
• Bicycle lanes 7' wide in both directions
• 112 concrete piles supporting the new structure
• Concrete barrier separating vehicles from pedestrians
• Railing that mimics the historic design of the John Singletary Bridge