Bridge repair project to begin during season

A $1.1 million Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to repair Longboat Pass Bridge is scheduled to begin in November and continue into spring 2012.

But why is the project being done during peak season?

“This project is scheduled to take place during the winter months because we are unable to perform construction activities in this area during sea-turtle nesting season, which runs from May 1 through Oct. 31,” wrote FDOT public information officer Trudy Gerena in an email to Acting Town Manager Al Hogle.

The majority of work will take place at night, with lane closures controlled by flaggers that will occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. weekdays. Lane closures will not take place Friday through Sunday or during holiday periods, including Nov. 18 through Nov. 27, Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, and Jan. 13 through Jan. 17. Daytime work will consist of minor activities, as needed.

Quinn Construction Inc. is responsible for the project, which will include bridge repair and painting, in addition to sidewalk reconstruction.