Anna Maria Island Bridge getting facelift

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

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FDOT had plans to build a new taller bridge that wouldn't require a drawbridge. But islander's didn't want to lose the historic significance of the bridge. (slideshow)

The Anna Maria Island Bridge is one of three arteries to Manatee County's barrier islands.

And after decades of constant use, it's time for a face lift.

The bridge has provided commuters with safe passage to and from the island since 1965 and will continue to do so for many years to come thanks to a rehabilitation project in the works.

But with the construction comes inconvenience.

"It's going to be a long and arduous inconvenience, particularly for those going back and forth to work on the mainland," Anna Maria Island resident Bob Gottschalk said.

Gottschalk said the year-long construction project is a necessary evil considering the bridge's condition.

Building A Better Bridge

As Anna Maria Island's population grows, greater accessibility is needed.
E-mail Jennifer Anderson, the TV reporter on this story.

"The bridge is dilapidated; it's been outdated for a while now," Gottschalk said. "We've got three access bridges. This is, I think, arguably the most important of the three because it's State Road 64."

This isn't the first attempt to reconstruct the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Ten years ago the Florida Department of Transportation had plans to build a new taller bridge that wouldn't require a drawbridge.

But islander's complaints about losing the historic significance of the bridge put those plans on hold. FDOT officials said they can't wait much longer to revamp it.

Island resident Bob Gottschalk said the inconvenience of construction will be worth it when the bridge is done.

"These types of structures are located in environments that are extremely aggressive because of the proximity to the water," FDOT structure maintenance engineer Pepe Garcia said. "Corrosion, of course, is a problem and so that type of environment and the everyday use of the structure takes its toll."

While islanders will have to stick it out during construction, they can look forward to a smoother, safer commute.

"As the island population grows, it's just going to become necessary to make the island more accessible," Gottschalk said.

The project calls for a 75-day construction period when the bridge is closed entirely. The project is projected to cost $8-10 million.