San Sebastian Bridge replacement to begin

Historic City News confirmed with the Florida Department of Transportation this morning that they intend to remove and replace the bridge on US-1, just north of King Street, and the City is hoping that the construction and detour will be over on time.

Replacement of the bridge, built in 1960, has been under discussion between Florida Department of Transportation officials and the City of St. Augustine in recent months.

The project was accelerated by the Florida Department of Transportation to prevent conflicts with the City of St. Augustine’s 450th anniversary.

The design-build team of Archer Western Contractors, Ltd., and, GAI Consultants, has been hired to design and replace the bridge.

Construction on the San Sebastian River Bridge is expected to begin at the end of June and the contractors are expected to complete the project by Spring, 2013.

Crews from Archer Western Contractors Ltd. plan to begin earthwork adjacent to US 1 by the end of June. In mid to late July, project team members anticipate reconstructing the medians and removing curb in preparation for shifting the bridge’s four traffic lanes slightly east near the end of the summer.

The new structure will be a four-lane bridge and includes a concrete barrier separating vehicles and pedestrians.

The San Sebastian River Bridge replacement will cost $13.5 million.

Archer Western Contractors Ltd. and GAI Consultants are also working together to build the new State Road 9B in Duval County.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer