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Eight Lauderdale bridges
targeted for repairs
in the next two years |
Because Fort Lauderdale probably has more bridges than anywhere else in the state, Naugle said maintaining the structures is a large expense. "But we have always set money aside for repairs and will continue to do so," he said. "I'm not concerned. We will be able to find the extra funds."
Naugle and city commissioners were presented with an infrastructure study that included the status of the city's bridges in May. As stated in the report, Fort Lauderdale's 50 bridges are presently valued at about $13.5 million. It would take about $2.2 million to make repairs.
Since the city's capital improvements program (CIP) now has only half the monies to meet those demands, outside funding is being sought, said Hector Castro, city engineer, who recently reported his findings to the Fort Lauderdale Marine Advisory Board.
The estimated $2.2 million figure could climb even higher. While looking over its repair needs, the city will also research whether any of the structures can be raised to accommodate bigger boats. Adding the extra height could require more expenditures, said Heather Keith, chair of the city's marine advisory board. Keith says finding the funds for bridge maintenance should be a top priority. "We market ourselves as the yachting capital of the world and the Venice of America," she said. "We need to make sure that our waterways live up to that image."
The city's 50 bridges range in age from 4 to 76 years old. Each is inspected yearly by the Florida Department of Transportation. Fort Lauderdale does have other bridges within its limits, such as the one on the 17th Street Causeway. But those structures are the responsibility of the state and county, Keith said.
"I don't think our bridges are at the critical phase right now," said Christine Teel, a marine advisory board member. "However, something has to be done." The board was told in April that at least eight bridges will be assessed within the upcoming year. These structures are considered a priority by the engineering department and will need an estimated $500,000 worth of repairs within the next two years, Teel said.
"We haven't let anything fall into disrepair, but we do need to do some additional work," said Peter Sheridan, assistant city engineer. "We know our bridges are an integral part of our transportation system and like any of our infrastructure, they will be taken care of."
The structures are located at:
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•Bayview Drive over the South Landings Inlet
•Northeast 41st Street over the Toulon Waterway
•Northeast 42nd Street over the Toulon Waterway
•East Las Olas Boulevard over the Himmarshee Canal
•Southwest Seventh Street over the Tarpon River
•Laguna Terrace over the Diane River
•West Lake Drive over the Lucille River
•South Ocean Drive over the Marion River |
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