Southbound San Sebastian bridge opening

Historic City News readers will begin using the new replacement bridge over the San Sebastian River between Saragossa Street and King Street when traveling southbound on US-1 by Friday morning according to a report from the Florida Department of Transportation.

As workers apply finishing touches in preparation for Friday morning’s traffic shift, temporary lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night.

Northbound US-1 traffic will continue using the existing bridge for approximately another month while construction is underway between the new bridge and the bridge built in 1960.

Northbound traffic is scheduled to shift onto the new bridge in late September or early October reporters were told.

In addition to brand new foundations and concrete, the new bridge will boast decorative streetlights reminiscent of St Augustine’s gas-powered lights along the bayfront, a two-tone paint scheme on the exterior wall, ornamental railing and a safety barrier wall between the roadway and the sidewalk.

The sidewalk along the new bridge and the turn lane from southbound US-1 to eastbound King Street will remain closed until the project is completed in Spring 2013.

Bad weather may affect the scheduled traffic shift, so motorists are advised to use caution while traveling through the area during and after the shift as commuters and travelers adjust to the new traffic pattern.