New bridge unites marina, soundside

  • Published
  • By Jamie Haig
  • Contract writer
Construction began in May on an $830,000 replacement bridge linking the marina to the soundside after Hurricane Ivan destroyed the original bridge in 2004.

The old bridge was a road built over pipe culverts. Storm surge and water runoff made the road unsafe.

"The necessity for a new bridge was recognized immediately after Hurricane Ivan," said Keith Cutshaw, 16th Civil Engineer Squadron.

After a required environmental assessment was completed and the necessary permits were obtained, construction began.

The new bridge, located at the end of Whitbeck street in soundside housing, will be higher than its predecessor and will have an open channel allowing more water to pass through, making it less susceptible to water damage from hurricanes or tropical storms.

The project is scheduled to be completed by August, weather permitting.

"The assessment and design took longer than the actual construction will," said Mr. Cutshaw.