Project Status

The study began in September 2009 and is now complete.  On December 8, 2011, the Federal Highway Administration granted Location and Design Concept Acceptance for construction of a new high-level fixed bridge.

The new two-lane, high-level fixed bridge will provide 65 feet of vertical clearance (at the fenders) and 125 feet of horizontal clearance between the fenders.  The proposed bridge will provide two, 11-foot through lanes and five-foot wide outside shoulders.  Five-foot sidewalks are also proposed on both sides of the roadway.  The new bridge will be approximately 10.5 feet wider than the existing bridge.  Shoulders will allow emergency vehicles to pass if an accident occurs on the bridge, or if traffic is stopped on the bridge.  In addition, the five-foot wide shoulders will serve as undesignated bicycle lanes for experienced cyclists.

The proposed improvements also include construction of two fishing piers, one on the east end and one on the west end of the bridge.  Other improvements include new approach roadway pavement, drainage, landscape enhancements and a memorial dedicated to veterans.  The new bridge will be constructed within existing right-of-way.

This project will now proceed to the Design Phase.  Design is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2012.

Why does the existing bridge need to be replaced?

The existing bridge was constructed in 1954. Bridges built in the mid to late 1950's were typically designed to remain in service for about 50 years. The Veterans Memorial Bridge is over 50 years old and has deteriorated. The equipment required to open and close the bridge has required frequent repairs in recent years. These repairs are expensive and result in disruption of traffic.

The existing bridge is also considered "functionally obsolete". This designation is based on the narrow width of the bridge (there are no shoulders or bicycle lanes) and other characteristics that don’t meet design standards required for new bridges.