Hours area 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
On Sept. 28, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that overnight lane closures on the north bridge to Siesta Key — which stands on Siesta Drive — will continue through the end of October, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Nancy Morgan, a community outreach representative of the state agency, notified organizations on Siesta Key about the extension through the end of this month. That is necessary, she noted, “as crews work on the concrete bridge deck and apply epoxy overlay protection.” FDOT reported that the nighttime work also includes “repairs to the existing piling protection.” Crews work on one lane at a time, FDOT pointed out, “alternating sides.” (The agency did add the caveat, “Dates and times may change depending on weather or work schedules.”)
The initiative, which began in late April, still is expected to be completed before the end of this year, FDOT has maintained.
In announcing its plans for the initiative, FDOT staff explained that the undertaking was necessary “to minimize the effects of the aggressive marine environment.” FDOT added, “This bridge project consists of concrete maintenance, rehabilitation of existing mechanical and electrical systems, and structural steel repairs and steel coating replacement.”
The most recent, major bridge maintenance initiative prior to this one took place in 2012, based on News Leader research.
Among other details in the late September notice about the project are the following:
- Crews are not scheduled to work on weekends.
- Motorists may wish to use the south bridge, via Stickney Point Road, “or allow for additional travel time.
- “Flaggers, barrels and warning signs will be present to help guide motorists through the construction zone.
- “Pedestrians and bicyclists will be escorted through the work zone.
- “Local residents closest to the bridge should anticipate noise and lights from construction equipment.”
- Work will continue beneath the bridge span Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to have access to the bridge.
- In regard to marine traffic: During the daytime hours — from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. — single-leaf openings are expected to continue through Oct. 16, to accommodate electrical work.