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Construction Update

Posted Jun 6, 2008 by Mike Wells

Updated Jun 6, 2008 at 06:22 PM

JoAnn May, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Transportation, gives the following update on the progress in repairing the section of damaged highway:

·      Phase one is progressing very well.  One span has been demolished. Crews are demolishing the second span and also will demolish the pier in the median of US 301. 

·      FDOT expects the crossovers and four lanes of traffic on the northbound bridge to be open by rush hour on Monday morning.

·      Crews are constructing two crossovers in the median of I-75, one north of US 301 and one south of the river. Crews are preparing to convert the northbound I-75 bridge to two-way traffic, with two lanes northbound, two lanes southbound, and a concrete barrier wall dividing north and south bound lanes.

·      Two lanes northbound are in place now on the northbound interstate bridge. When two-way traffic is in place speed limit in this area will be reduced, probably to 45 mph.

·      Work is tentatively scheduled for 9 p.m. tonight to prepare to place barrier wall and it is possible northbound traffic at the bridge may be reduced to one lane.  This work activity is not yet confirmed, however.

·      This weekend, FDOT will receive bids from contractor’s for phase two work and will hire a contractor.

·      When the phase two contractor is hired, mobilization will occur to replace the two damaged spans of the southbound interstate bridge at US 301.

See a map of the planned traffic pattern.