- September 20, 2024
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A narrow margin of respondents to a recent Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) survey supported rehabilitation over replacement of the Cortez Bridge.
FDOT received approximately 850 completed surveys through May 31.
Approximately 51% of respondents favored further rehabilitation of the bridge, while 43% favored replacement of the bridge.
Of those who want the bridge to be replaced, 38% would prefer a high-level fixed bridge; 19% want a mid-level drawbridge; 33% support a low-level drawbridge; and 4% favor another option.
Just 1% of respondents were from Longboat Key. Those surveys overwhelmingly indicated support for replacing of the bridge, with 86% expressing support for replacement, compared to 14% in favor of a rehabilitation.
FDOT considers the Cortez Bridge “functionally obsolete,” meaning it doesn’t meet current road design standards, because of its lack of shoulders, 10-inch concrete roads separating travel lanes from the sidewalk, and old-style bridge railings.
The bridge is also considered “structurally deficient,” meaning it needs a series of repairs or replacement within six years.
Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].