Press Releases

Bridge of Lions and Temporary Bridge Closed

Contact:
Laurie Sanderson

Phone:
904.825.3647

Email:
info@fdotbridgeoflions.com

ST. AUGUSTINE – On Wednesday night, May 17, 2006, the Bridge of Lions and the temporary bridge will be completely closed from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning, May 18, 2006. The closure will accommodate shifting traffic from the Bridge of Lions to the adjacent temporary bridge. In addition to the bridge closures, all lanes in both directions on Anastasia Boulevard from Gerado street to the west end of the Bridge of Lions will also be closed to accommodate the traffic shift.

A final functional checkout of the numerous mechanical and electrical components of the temporary bridge is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2006. The closures and the shift of traffic to the temporary bridge are dependent upon the functional checkout, and any adjustments found to be necessary following the checkout would result in a change to the scheduled traffic shift. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to check the digital message signs located on both ends of the Bridge of Lions for any schedule updates.

The temporary bridge located north of the Bridge of Lions will be in use throughout the next three to four years during the rehabilitation of the Bridge of Lions. The rehabilitation of the Bridge of Lions, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), began in February 2005 and is expected to last approximately five years, excluding potential weather delays. Special provisions during construction will help maintain the historic value of the structure upon completion. The Bridge of Lions, originally opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Matanzas River to connect historic St. Augustine and Anastasia Island.

For more information regarding the bridge rehabilitation, please contact Laurie Sanderson in the public information office at (904) 825-3647 or at info@FDOTBridgeofLions.com.