Authorities have decided to close a portion of 40th Avenue bridge in St. Petersburg over the next two weeks for emergency repairs. 

  • 40th Avenue bridge in St. Pete closed due to emergency repairs
  • Bridge expected to be closed for approximately two weeks
  • Officials decided to close bridge after a structural integrity inspection

The structural integrity of the bridge was inspected Thursday, Aug. 10, and inspectors noted an accelerated deterioration of supporting strands as loose concrete covering them was removed. 

City Engineering personnel made the immediate decision to close the bridge and start emergency repairs. 

"This is something that we felt we needed to do," Director of Engineering and Capital Improvement Projects Brejesh Prayman said. "Right now."

The span that connects the neighborhoods of Northeast Park and Shore Acres will be closed to traffic for two weeks.

The original center parts of the bridge appear to be the most at-risk, according to the consultant's report. Engineers are examining the possibility that traffic can be re-routed to the structurally sound edges sides of the span while contractors complete the needed emergency repairs and replacement of the interior bridge portions. 

Re-routing of the vehicular traffic will happen first — and will likely force the closure of pedestrian walkways for a longer period of time, officials said. 

In the interim, traffic will need to use the Snell Isle Boulevard NE Bridge just to the south of the closure onto the island or — from the north — use the Bayou Grande Boulevard access from 62nd Avenue N.

"We realize that this emergency closure and repair process is an inconvenience," said Prayman. "But the safety of our residents is of the utmost importance."