40th Avenue Bridge Closed For Emergency Repairs

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Motorists who use the 40th Avenue Bridge in St. Petersburg to get around will have to find new routes for at least two weeks. The city announced an emergency closing for repairs on Friday, Aug. 11.

The span that connects Northeast Park and Shore Acres is expected to be off limits for at least two weeks following an inspection that raised serious concerns about the bridge’s structural integrity. The inspection was conducted on Thursday, prompting the need for immediate action, the city reported Friday.

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“Inspectors noted an accelerated deterioration of supporting strands as loose concrete covering them was removed,” an email from the city said. “The concern of the consultants was relayed to city engineering personnel, who made the immediate decision to close the bridge and commence emergency repairs.”

Brejesh Prayman, the city’s director of engineering and capital improvement projects, said the closing isn’t something the city wanted to do, but felt needed to be done “right now.”

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The bridge’s original center span is the area of highest concern, the city’s email noted.

“Engineers are examining the possibility that traffic can be re-routed to the structurally sound edges of the span while contractors complete the needed emergency repairs and replacement of the interior bridge portions,” the email said. “Re-routing of the vehicular traffic will happen first, and will likely force the closure of pedestrian walkways for a longer period of time.”

For the time being, motorists are asked to use the Snell Isle Boulevard Northeast Bridge to the south of the closure onto the island. From the north, motorists may use Bayou Grande Boulevard access from 62nd Avenue North, the city advised.

"We realize that this emergency closure and repair process is an inconvenience," said Prayman. "But the safety of our residents is of the utmost importance."

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