Public Forum To Present Designs For 40th Avenue Bridge

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Residents will have a chance to peruse architectural plans created by four firms vying for the contract to design the new 40th Avenue Bridge over Smack’s Bayou.

The designs will be presented at an open forum Monday, Jan. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the St. Petersburg Water Resources Training Room, 1650 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

The four firms competing for the job will make formal presentations and be interviewed by city officials and Florida Department of Transportation representatives during a closed session earlier in the day.

Afterward, residents will have a chance to voice their opinions on the various design proposals at the open forum.

Once the design firm is selected and contract negotiations are completed, the city will host a series of post-presentation meetings open to the public to discuss costs, construction schedules and design details.

The new bridge connecting the neighborhoods of Northeast Park and Shore Acres over Smacks Bayou will replace the existing 40th Avenue Bridge, which was closed for a period of time in August when it began showing signs of structural damage.

The bridge reopened with reduced two-way traffic. That modified traffic plan will be in place until the new bridge is completed.

“Public safety and fiscal responsibility for our residents is why we are seeking a more permanent solution,” said Director of Engineering and Capital Improvements Brejesh Prayman.

Based on cost estimates and the latest inspections of the bridge, which was built in 1960 and widened in 1991, city officials decided that repairs to bring the bridge back to full capacity would be too costly and wouldn't substantially increase the life of the bridge.

With urging from residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, the city opted instead to build a completely new structure with a higher clearance so larger boats can pass beneath it.

Most of the funding will come from the Penny for Pinellas 1-cent tax, approved by voters Nov. 7. The city is also working with the Florida Department of Transportation to assist in funding and is seeking additional support from the Florida Legislature.

Before construction can begin, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other state and federal agencies will have to approve the design. Then the city will solicit bids from companies interested in constructing the new bridge.

City officials say this process could take several months to complete. Once the City Council has approved a company to build the bridge, the actual construction phase could take another two years.

Photo via City of St. Petersburg