of the Red Bug Lake Road Overpass. As part of one of
Seminole County’s “Showcase Trails,” fitting this bridge
aesthetically into its environment was an important factor.
“The architectural enhancements were important
details,” Martin said. “There were a few meetings during
the design process to figure out how to design and install
those aspects, and it’s always a challenge to get everyone
on the same page. The coordination is pretty involved, and
Ayres did a nice job of making that happen.”
The design included enhanced columns, an ornamental
safety enclosure, and dark green and brick coloring. Brick
façades and decorative molding were used on the columns,
and the otherwise standard safety enclosure was topped
14│TRENDS
with sculpted finials. Colors were chosen to blend in well
with the natural environment and to be representative of
Seminole County. “The bridge has become a very nice
feature of the area; it is a Gateway to the City of Oviedo,”
Martin said.
The overpass opened in June, and a 25-mile section of
the Cross Seminole Trail was complete – offering a unique
recreational attraction in Central Florida for visitors and
residents. The County enhanced the natural livability of the
area and improved safety at a busy intersection, ahead of
schedule and under budget.
“In short, we got a good-looking bridge at a good
price,” Martin said.