St. Pete Chooses Firm To Design New 40th Avenue Bridge

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The city has selected a design firm to produce plans for a new bridge to replace the crumbling 40th Avenue Bridge.

Cardno Inc., a worldwide engineering firm with Tampa Bay offices, will produce renderings and work with the public to come up with a design for the bridge that crosses Smack’s Bayou.

"This is an important project," said Brejesh Prayman, director of engineering and capital improvements for the city.

The bridge, which connects the Northeast Park and Shore Acres neighborhoods, was closed for two weeks in office after the city discovered structural problems. The bridge has since reopened with reduced weight limits, modified access flow and a reduced speed limit.

The design firm has been tasked to work closely with the community on the design of the new bridge, which boaters have requested be raised to better accommodate water craft.

"We want to make sure all stakeholders are represented in the design and building of the bridge," said Prayman.

The public will be kept apprised of the progress of the project through the city’s websites, on social media and at public meetings and workshops beginning in late spring or early summer.

The funding for this work will primarily come from the "Penny for Pinellas" one-cent sales. The city is also seeking funding from the state Legislature.

Image via St. Petersburg Public Works