The Halls River Bridge in Homosassa will be replaced starting this fall. There’s no infrastructure problems yet, but the aging bridge is about to turn 60-years-old
According to Citrus County resident James Butler, for a bridge – that’s old enough.
- New bridge for Halls River
- The bridge will utilize carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymer.
- First of its kind in the state
"60 years is a pretty longtime for a bridge,” he said.
This project is unique. When it's done, the new bridge will be the only one of its kind in the state.
It will be built mostly with carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymer.
Richard Frank is with the Department of Transportation. For him, the advancement is a game-changer.
“I think it is pretty exciting,” said Frank.
Using this innovative material will be a first in Florida, though other states have done it with success. The material is lightweight, resistant to salt water and, Frank says, it can be stronger than steel.
“Sounds hard to believe,” he said. “It's the new age we live in."
“I’m looking forward to a new bridge,” Butler said. “I can do back flips off it."
Construction is expected to start in September and last about 310 days.