Repairs underway could take up to 30 days, county staff says
On May 4, the Blackburn Point road swing bridge was closed to boaters as repairs to the structure began, Sarasota County staff announced.
The U.S. Coast Guard planned to send a standard notice to mariners, a county advisory pointed out.
Pedestrians and vehicular traffic still can safely cross the bridge, the advisory noted, but walkers and drivers “should adhere to signals and intermittent closures.”
Mariners south of the Blackburn Point bridge are encouraged to use to the North Jetty for access to the Gulf of Mexico, county staff said. Those north of the bridge are encouraged to use Big Sarasota Pass to reach the Gulf, staff added.
Repairs to the bridge may take up to 30 days, the advisory pointed out.
A chart provided to the Sarasota County commissioners during their May 2021 budget workshop said the project would involve the rehabilitation of the structural steel components, gears, motors and electrical equipment “essential to the operation of this moveable bridge.” The cost of the work was estimated at $555,000.
The bridge is located east of Casey Key Road.