|
 Why do the
bridges have to be replaced?
How is the
project being funded?
Who is the
contractor doing the work?
When is
construction scheduled to start and end?
Will weather
conditions have an effect on the construction schedule?
Which bridge
is being replaced first?
How will the
bridges be built?
What will
the new bridges look like? How big will they be?
Will there
be new landscaping?
Where are
the bridges being built in relation to their current
locations & will the bridge affect
the spoil islands?
Will there
be facilities for bikes/pedestrians?
What is the
project's safety program?
How will
you keep the public informed?
Where can I
get more information about this project?
Why do the bridges have
to be replaced?
All three structures were identified to be scour critical
by FDOT in 1995, (scour is the eroding away of the bay bottom
causing loss of embedment of the piles that support the bridge).
However, based on FDOT’s institutional knowledge, it appears
that most of the scour occurred in the first years after the
bridges were constructed. Each of the three structures have
different evaluations and recommendations from FDOT according to
their 2001 reports (note, Span A report completed in 2003). For
Spans B & C, FDOT’s ultimate recommendation was to
replace them. The scour identified by FDOT is normal scour, and in
a 100 year storm event, the piles and piers could be undermined
regardless of any interim scour measures, thus FDOT’s
ultimate recommended fix to be replacement of all structures. There
are two types of scour of concern. The first is the long-term scour
effects that occur over time. The second is the scour that occurs
during a major storm event. It must be noted that bridges designed
in the 1960’s, as Sanibel was, were not designed for major
storm event scour. Thus this bridge has been susceptible to that
issue since the bridge was opened.
How is the project
being funded?
The project is being funded by the sale of bonds that are secured
by the projected toll revenues.
Who is the contractor
doing the work?
Jacobs Construction Services, Inc., will serve as construction
manager on this project. The primary subcontractor will be Boh
Bros. Construction Co., LLC, who recently received two awards for
their work on the Peace River Bridge project.
When is construction
scheduled to start and end?
Notice to proceed was given in May 2004. Pile driving will
commence in August 2004. The scheduled completion date for the
Bridges is January 2007.
Will weather conditions
have an effect on the construction schedule?
There will be weather delays on the project, as some storms will
make conditions unsafe for workers.
Which bridge is being
replaced first?
Bridge B is being constructed first, followed by Bridge A and then
Bridge C.
How will the bridges be
built?
It will initially begin with pile driving efforts adjacent to the
existing bridge(s). Following this, substructure components (such
as footings and foundations) and then girders (beams) will be
installed for each section/span of the bridge. The concrete deck
will then be poured. Temporary roadways on the causeway islands
will be constructed concurrently to coordinate and support the
approach work to the Islands. Upon bridge completion, final road
and tie-in(s) will be constructed.
What will the new
bridges look like? How big will they be?
The typical section for Bridge B includes two 12-foot
(ft.) travel lanes, two 8 ft. shoulders, open rails, and no
sidewalks. The overall width of the bridge is 43 ft. The bridge
profile will be raised a minimum of 4 ft. to raise the
superstructure above the splash zone. The typical section for
Bridge C includes two 12 ft. travel lanes, two 8 ft. shoulders, and
no sidewalks. The overall width of the bridge is 43 ft.
Will there be new
landscaping?
Native landscaping will be planted in an informal, natural manner.
New plantings are proposed for the toll plaza, causeway islands A
and B and on Sanibel between the new bridge and the boat ramp.
Where are the bridges
being built in relation to their current locations and will the
bridge affect the spoil islands?
Bridge B is being built on an alignment 10 ft. west of the existing
bridge, this alignment avoids impacts to the weigh station and
restrooms on island B. Bridge C is being built on an alignment 10
ft. east of the existing bridge. This also avoids impacts to the
weigh station and restrooms on island B as well as minimizing
impacts to the Sanibel Boat Ramp. The new bridge will not impact
the boat ramps, boat ramp parking lot, or park entrance.
Will there be
facilities for bikes/pedestrians?
Bikes may cross the bridges using the 8 foot outside
shoulders. Pedestrians are not permitted on any of the
bridges.
What is the project's
safety program?
During construction, the safety of workers in the bay and
recreational bay users is a priority. Please slow your speed down
and abide by the no-wake zone signs at the construction site.
Boats can create dangerous conditions for construction workers.
Operation of boats or personal recreational watercraft in close
proximity to the construction zone can result in distractions and
disruptions to the construction activity and could result in
unnecessary hazards for the public and the construction workers.
To ensure the safety of all recreational bay users traveling within
500 feet of the bridge, please maintain a safe distance from the
yellow turbidity barriers and any buoys marking areas where
construction is happening. Posters containing this information are
available on the Public Information page. It is further requested
that all recreational watercraft maintain 300 feet from any of the
crane and equipment barges.
How will you keep the
public informed?
Check the project website for up-to-date news and information.
There will also be flyers posted on the causeway islands notifying
bay users of any circumstances that may affect their use of the
bay. Watch for updates on the variable message boards located east
of the toll plaza. In addition local news media may publish
articles or news pieces from time to time.
Where can I get more
information about this project?
If you require more information or have additional questions please
contact the project representative Kris Cella, Cella, Molnar &
Associates, Inc., 1631 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, call
239-337-1071 or email kcella@cella.cc
|
