PROJECT INFORMATION

The existing bridges were completed in 1950 and have exceeded their original life expectancy of 50 years. Maintenance and operating costs have increased substantially in the past decade due to structural deterioration and obsolescence of both machinery and equipment. The existing causeway bridges do not meet current design standards, and are classified by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as functionally obsolete.

The County carefully evaluated several alternatives and has chosen to move forward with the one that best meets the design criteria and standards outlined by the County and earned the approval of the public. The project will provide the local community with the beautiful thoroughfare, improved boat ramp facilities, and improved traffic flow. The new bridge will be built on a north-shifted alignment from the existing structure. This new alignment will allow the existing bridge to remain open to traffic during construction.

Project Improvements include: 12 foot travel lanes in each direction, 8 foot sidewalks and a 10 foot wide shoulders with designated 5 foot bicycle lanes. It will also include reconstruction of the boat ramp facilities located at the east end of the causeway. The project construction cost $72.2 Million and will be funded, in part, through Penny for Pinellas dollars.

The 30 month construction schedule will begin on March 29, 2007, with anticipated completion in the spring of 2010.