Actually, it could predate the 1990s. In the late 80s a small earthen plug was located just south of the bridge in attempt to stop the water from escaping down the canal. But when that didn't work they filled in the entire 1.5 mile section in 1996.
It's hard to say if the photo was taken from that original plug (which would date it to the 1990s) or from Tamiami Trail (which would date it in the 1980s or before.)
