Once again, people can traverse a section of the famed Old Seven Mile Bridge that parallels the Florida Keys Overseas Highway in the Middle Keys to enjoy cycling, walking, running, rollerblading or watching sunrises and sunsets.

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, the oft-photographed 2.2-mile span reopened after a $44 million renovation that began in 2017 -- part of a 30-year agreement with a budget of $77 million ratified between the Keys' Monroe County, Marathon municipal officials and the Florida Department of Transportation to fund restoration along with a maintenance program to ensure the landmark's preservation.

Nicknamed "Old Seven," the bridge was built as part of railroad magnate Henry Flagler's Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad that was completed in January 1912, connecting the Keys with each other and mainland Florida for the first time. The 2.2-mile span is the gateway to historic Pigeon Key, a tiny island nestled beneath the old bridge that was once home to about 400 workers constructing the railroad.

Restoration work included structural steel and spalling and bridge joint system repairs; new decking, pedestrian and bicycle handrails; and other physical enhancements to make the 2.2-mile span safer for recreational use.

In 1938, the original railroad bridge was converted to carry automobiles. In 1982, the new Seven Mile Bridge (actually 6.79 miles long and one of the world's longest segmental bridges) debuted alongside the historic one and the old bridge's steel swing span, which had facilitated marine traffic, was removed.

The retired "Old Seven" evolved primarily into a recreation area that proved extremely popular.

Today Pigeon Key serves as a historic and educational center, with a railroad museum and original structures that date back to the early 1900s Flagler era, when the bridge leading out to it was being built.

A new 60-passenger tram to take visitors back and forth to Pigeon Key is expected to be operational this spring.

Although vehicular traffic on the restored bridge is prohibited, an adjacent parking lot has been modified to accommodate up to 35 parked vehicles.

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