JUNO BEACH — After lanes have been closed for building and drivers navigated detours, the Donald Ross Highway bridge is totally open to drivers once more, however not for lengthy.
Its eastbound lanes reopened on Wednesday, Could 1, 4 days later than projected — as a result of crews bumped into issues with “the high-pressure hydraulics accountable for bridge motion,” in line with a Palm Seaside County assertion. Building began on April 17 and the lanes have been initially set to reopen on April 27.
The westbound lanes may shut at any time, nonetheless. The county mentioned in its assertion that they’ll shut “no later than” Thursday, Could 9, when crews will carry out the identical work for the opposite aspect.
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The Juno Seaside bridge, which opened to visitors in 1999, is getting new high-pressure cylinders — the elements that transfer the bridge up and down — and electrical controls, mentioned Zach King, the chief building coordinator for Palm Seaside County.
The mission is predicted to value $28 million.
King mentioned no capabilities on the bridge are damaged, however the Intracoastal Waterway span is due for these upgrades as a result of it’s over 20 years outdated.
The bridge sees common every day visitors of 11,000 autos, about 10% of that are vehicles, in line with 2022 state information. Whereas the eastbound lanes have been closed, visitors was rerouted south on Army Path, east on PGA Boulevard, after which north on U.S. Freeway 1, which lies simply east of the bridge.
After the 2 phases of labor are accomplished, King doesn’t count on the bridge to wish upkeep for one more 25 years, saying it will likely be in “tip-top form” with the enhancements.
Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Seaside County for The Palm Seaside Put up, a part of the USA TODAY Florida-Community. Attain her atmwashburn@pbpost.com. Help native journalism:Subscribe in the present day.
