Bridge Workers Get Thumbs Up

Anna Maria Island Commuters Show Their Appreciation on a Bridge Refit Well Done...

Drivers and Pedistrians Alike, Honk and Wave to Workers as Anna Maria Island Brige Reopens.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND NEWS -- As reported yesterday, the Anna Maria Island bridge opened earlier this evening to both vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

Earlier this evening, after a 37 day long closure for reconstruction, communters honked and gave a big thumbs-up to construction workers as the Anna Maria Island Bridge reopened.

Randy Chambers, a bridge construction worker on the project, said, "We worked night and day. Everybody was excited when we had it open."  

The Anna Maria Island bridge was opened to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic at about 5 p.m. this evening. It was a welcome surprise to local commuters who, for more than a month now, have had to use the Cortez Road Bridge as the only way on and off the island from the Manatee mainland.

The brige opening came a week sooner than scheduled. In fact the 5 o'clock opening today was a full three hours before the time that had been reported yesterday for the first traffic to cross.

Local shopper Woldgang Racvka said he discovered the reopening by accident. "I was surprised. There was all this traffic. I made a turn to go right. I'm happy to come to Anna Maria. We prefer to come here to go shopping and to restaurants. It's a good deal," he said.

The bridge has been closed since late September, and over the past 37 days, bridge construction crews have replaced much of the superstructure at a cost of $10 million. The bridge refit is expected to give about 15 years additional life to the 51-year-old structure.

The bridge was originally scheduled to close for 45 days and reopen Nov. 13, so the local community is thrilled to see the bridge project completed ahead of schedule. "We credit good weather and excellent coordination between the contractor and subcontractor," said Audrey Clarke, project spokeswoman of the early opening.

It has been reported in the local Anna Maria Island press that Quinn Construction, the company contracted to oversee the project, will receive a $625,000 bonus for completing repairs ahead of schedule.

Repairs during the closure consisted of replacing the steel deck, reconditioning structural steel and replacing the drawbridge -- mechanical and electrical operating systems.

In addition, Quinn Construction restored the concrete deck and repaired concrete approach spans.

Hmmm, I wonder if there are any bridge opening celebrations planned for the local island community. Let us know if there are ;-)