By the Numbers :
Veterans Memorial Bridge
Length 1,884 feet
Width of sidewalks
8 feet
Horizontal navigational clearance 125 feet between pier fenders
Vertical navigational clearance
65 feet high tide
Amount of concrete
> 13,000 cubic yards
Area of bridge deck 102,236 square feet
Projected daily bridge traffic
7,900 vehicles
Width of traffic lanes
32 feet
Amount of steel
> 3 million pounds
Total project cost
$ 48 Million inspection delays could have added to the final cost of the bridge project .
The Ayres team ’ s final inspection report indicated “ some items that needed to be repaired and patched up ,” Rook said . “ But it was nothing earth shattering , which is always a good thing .”
During the initial inspection , the team ’ s focus was on deviations from the plans and material defects . “ That ’ s what we report on so that we can accurately assess their condition over time ,” Maslyn said .
Under its contract with the Florida Department of Transportation ( FDOT ), Ayres will conduct follow-up inspections of the bridge every two years , the maximum interval allowable under Florida law , and in keeping with National Bridge Inspection Standards .
As is the case with any new structure , “ future inspections possibly may reveal things that could require attention ,” Maslyn said , adding that the next inspection of the Veterans Memorial Bridge is scheduled for April 2022 .
After the Ayres team completed its inspection in May , two weeks were spent preparing the final report that was submitted to officials at FDOT District 5 .
While details of the report are confidential , Maslyn assured that the Veterans Memorial Bridge is fully capable of handling Florida Legal Vehicle Loads .
“ It certainly meets those requirements ,” he said . “ The bridge is structurally safe , structurally sound at this time .”
Source : Volusia County , Florida , website ; and Rick Maslyn of Ayres )
26 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .