Report: Old Bayway Bridge to be Demolished This Month

Last week eastbound traffic shifted to the new Bayway Bridge with westbound traffic expected to shift soon. The Bayway Bridge project will replace the 50 year-old, two-lane drawbridge with a new four-lane, high level fixed span bridge.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, that means demolition on the existing Bayway Bridge could begin as early as this month. 

"Beginning in mid to late April, most of the old Pinellas Bayway will be cut into large pieces and then moved by barge to a Pinellas County artificial reef. This includes the existing piling, which will be completely removed and taken to the artificial reef as well.

The main foundations supporting the old drawbridge will be demolished using explosives, which will take out the pilings under the water."

FDOT said the inside eastbound toll lane will be closed for approximately three weeks while roadway work is completed for the anticipated traffic shift for westbound traffic. 

The entire bridge replacement project will be complete by late Summer 2014, according to FDOT.

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