Florida Diving Gem, Blue Heron Bridge Being Replaced

by Phil Rudin

 

I attended the meeting regarding the replacement of the Little Blue Heron Bridge today and have the following thoughts on what was discussed. First let me say that I have been diving the bridge area for over thirty-five years. The Little Blue Heron Bridge was built in 1950 and all who attended this meeting agree that the bridge needs to be replaced. It is becoming unsafe to drivers and divers alike. During the past ten months large chunks of concrete some as large as 2' X 2' X 12' have fallen from the span above the very area used by hundreds of divers each week.
All who attended also were in agreement that this site is one of the most unique dive areas in the state of Florida and that many animals found there can not be found anywhere else that we are aware of.

This project will involve the replacement of all of the concrete pilings and both the east and west retaining walls. Some damage to the ecosystem will be unavoidable as holes will be drilled in the lagoon bed to install the pilings. Larger pilings will replace the existing ones and fewer will be needed. All work will be done from the top of the existing bridge and no barge will be needed.

DOT owns the area 150 feet north and south of the bridge center line so work can only be done in that area. Diving will only be restricted in this 300 foot area. Phil Foster Park will remain open and no equipment or construction material will be stored there. The park will continue to run as normal and the entrance will not be blocked.

Diving in any other area around the construction including the high bridge and sailboat area will NOT BE RESTRICTED.

The hight of the bridge will only be raised on the east side by six inches to allow for drainage and we should not expect additional boat traffic when the project is complete. At high tide the bridge will clear the water by five feet.
Work is expected to start at the end of this month and last for over a year. The north (west bound lanes) half of the bridge will be replaced first and then the south half. The sidewalks will be widened from six to eight feet and the bridge will remain open to east-west traffic during the entire project. One sidewalk will remain open for fishing as well as one bike lane.