The Florida Department of Transportation is approaching a milestone in its efforts to evaluate the Longboat Pass Bridge.
The DOT is finalizing a project development and environment study aimed at evaluating bridge options along a mile of Gulf Drive/State Road 789 that extends from North Shore Road on Longboat Key to the Coquina Beach Park entrance in Bradenton Beach and includes the bridge that connects the key to Anna Maria Island.
The study involves assessing alternatives for the bridge, considering emergency evacuation needs, bicycle and pedestrian lanes and safety improvements, as well as environmental and cultural impacts.
The bridge, built in 1957 and rehabilitated in 2005 and 2020, faces functional obsolescence due to substandard shoulders and traffic barriers, according to the DOT website.
With a health index falling below 50, indicating a need for replacement, the DOT has prioritized the project, according to the DOT website.
The index is a tool used by the Federal Highway Administration to assess the structural or functional health of a bridge. The index is calculated based on the condition of a bridge’s structural elements and the service the bridge provides.
The next stage in the PD&E process involves online and in-person workshops.
An online workshop will be held Tuesday, March 12, with materials available for review after March 5 at swflroads.com/sr789/longboatkey.
People interested in participating online are encouraged to register at tinyurl.com/lbksr789.
An in-person workshop will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, March 14, at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
One alternative being considered is a fixed bridge, which would have a minimum 65-foot vertical clearance.
Alternatively, a bascule bridge is being evaluated.
When the DOT launched the PD&E, it also said rehabilitation of the bridge would be evaluated.
The Islander reached out to the DOT by email Feb. 21 and by phone Feb. 22 but, as of Islander press time Feb. 27, there was no response.
For more information, contact project manager Patrick Bateman at 863-519-2792 or email patrick.bateman@dot.state.fl.us.