SE 15th Avenue Bridge Replacement

1. Why are the bridges being replaced?

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) deemed that these bridges needed to be replaced based on their inspection report comprised of the different structural elements.

2. Who's paying for the bridge replacement?

Florida Department of Transportation is paying for the project through a Local Agency Program Agreement (LAP) between the City of Fort Lauderdale and FDOT.

3. When is construction scheduled to start and how long will construction take?

The project is underway, with a revised target completion date of late August 2013.

4. How will the HOA be updated?

The HOA Board of Lauderdale Harbours will be updated through the City’s Public Information Office. The information provided can then be used in the HOA’s Newsletter or Web site.

For updates during construction, call the City Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000. Information will also be posted on the City Web Site at, www.fortlauderdale.gov.

5. Will my vessel or boat lift be impacted?

Neighbors who have vessels, boat lifts or other anchored devices located immediately adjacent to/or within 100 linear feet of either of the two bridges will need to relocate them to accommodate heavy construction equipment and materials. By relocating the vessels(s) you will help minimize construction delays and prevent any dust, dirt, engine exhaust, etc. from damaging the vessel(s). If you have already addressed this request, the City thanks you. If you need additional information, please contact:

Mr. Kevin M. Hanson, Superintendent
Baker Concrete Construction, Inc.
5555 Anglers Avenue, Suite 1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 964-6027

6. Will residents have access in both directions?

Yes, as a requirement, the contractor shall submit a Maintenance of Traffic plan (MOT) showing warning signs on all connecting streets near the project. Moreover during construction, contractor shall provide flagmen to direct traffic in an orderly manner across the bridge(s). Outside of construction time, the contractor shall provide temporary traffic lights at both ends of the bridges to facilitate traffic.

7. What about school buses and kids?

The City of Fort Lauderdale PIO office will contact the Broward County School Board with updates and any changes in the schedule.

8. Will garbage pickup be impacted?

No, bulk trash, garbage and recycling schedules will remain the same.

9. Many residents walk across the bridge; how will this impact the neighborhood?

Individuals desiring to walk across the bridge may do so under contractor supervision.

10. After the project is completed, will large trucks be allowed to pass over the bridge?

There is no weight restriction on a new bridge, i.e. there will not be a load posting sign at the ends of the new bridges.

11. Will Fire and Police emergency vehicles response times be lessened?

Response times will not be impacted. Both Fire Rescue and Police have been advised of the bridge closure.

12. Will construction damage or pollute the water or plant life?

Pollutants are not expected to enter the water during construction. However, the contractor shall provide turbidity barriers on both sides of the bridges during construction. The benthic survey provided to the City of Fort Lauderdale by consultant in 2008 at both bridges make no mention of aquatic plants.

13. How will manatees be protected?

All regulatory permits are in place. One of the requirements to obtain a Florida Department of Environmental permit is to put in place procedures to protect manatees. At any time during construction, the contractor shall have a lookout person to watch for manatees. Once a manatee is spotted, all construction activities shall stop.

14. Why can’t the proposed bridge look similar to the existing one?

Florida Department of Transportation has a standard detail for bridge parapet wall.

Additionally, the LAP agreement binding the City of Fort Lauderdale and FDOT does not include construction of sidewalks other than the one that is on the bridge itself. This is a requirement as far as bridge construction guideline is concerned. However the City of Fort Lauderdale could provide a concrete ramp that would end in the grass area with a gentle slope.

Failure to follow these guidelines and construction details would result in rejection of the design plans by FDOT reviewers during the design phase for non-compliance.

15. Will there be a lot of noise or vibrations during pile driving?

There will only be noise during the actual pile driving activity. However, in order to minimize vibrations, the contractor by contract will provide a preformed hole at each pile location prior to the actual driving of the piles. Additionally, the contractor shall provide seismic devices to monitor the amount of vibration.

16. Who will monitor construction, and who do we contact?

The City along with the DOT will inspect and monitor construction activity. During construction the City's Consultant Construction Engineering Inspector will be assigned and can be contacted while on site.