Boaters: Crescent Bridge span operation single-leaf only

The Florida Department of Transportation informed local Historic City News reporters that beginning yesterday, the Crescent Beach Bridge is operating on a “single-leaf only” basis and that both leaves of the center drawbridge span will not be able to open simultaneously for boaters until after September 21st.

The two-week single leaf operation is necessary for machinery work at the center span of the bridge.

“These operations will not affect motorists, and the majority of boats traveling beneath this bridge are able to pass through with only one side open,” said Laurie E Sanderson. “During the rehabilitation project, the bridge has been able to provide a double-leaf opening — if a boater provided four-hours advance notice. Due to the type of construction to be performed during the next two weeks, a double-leaf opening is not possible.”

The work schedule is subject to change depending on bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

This Florida Department of Transportation project includes rehabilitating and replacing electrical and mechanical portions of the drawbridge to maintain reliability of the bridge and prevent future breakdowns and delays. Since work began, lane closures and traffic shifts have been used. Quinn Construction, Inc., of Palmetto is under contract to complete the work at a cost of $3.3 million by the end of 2013.