|
The
St.
Augustine
Record Editorial:
Restating
our
support
for
the
Bridge
of
Lions The Record previously supported the state Department of Transportation's plan to renovate the Bridge of Lions. That support remains unchanged. We think it is important to repeat our support in print today because of last week's call from two county commissioners for the state to replace, instead of renovate, the 75-year-old bridge. There also have been numerous letters to the editor, guest columns -- even some paid advertising -- in the newspaper recently asking for a new bridge. A great many people are trying to turn the tide on the bridge's fate. Some even want a four-lane structure. Some prefer that it not remain a drawbridge at all. Basically, opponents of the state's plan to renovate the two-lane bridge cite three main points. 1) A two-lane bridge would contribute to a growing traffic problem. 2) The proposed renovation would not provide for adequate safety measures for pedestrians. 3) The existing drawbridge is more of a nuisance than a piece of history. Let's take the arguments, point by point. 1) Traffic: The state says more than 20,000 cars pass over the bridge on a typical day. Granted, that traffic backs up on both sides of the Matanzas River when the drawbridge is up and boats go through it. But when the drawbridge is down, the more direct cause of congestion downtown relates to the lack of adequate passage around the Plaza de la Constitucion, where cars park on both sides of the road. A four-lane Bridge of Lions likely would make matters worse, unless it combined with a four-lane road around the plaza, and a straighter bypass behind Government House to an expanded King Street, which has its own traffic woes. 2) Safety: The proposed renovation of the Bridge of Lions will place a crash-tested barrier between pedestrians and vehicles, which does not exist today. Several opponents of the bridge's renovation said they were unaware a barrier is part of the plan. It is. And it will help prevent future tragedies. The plan to renovate the bridge will not include emergency lanes for vehicles. But as we said four years ago, "That's a trade-off we're glad to live with, much like maneuvering automobiles down narrow, brick streets and idling along behind carriage horses. We do it for St. Augustine." 3) History: The drawbridge, as it has been since its creation, is a symbol of St. Augustine's heritage. The span is highlighted on CNN.com's special report on summer trips, where St. Augustine ranks in the top 10 of historic places to visit in the country. The special report summarizes the bridge's significance: "The Bridge of Lions, named for the beasts carved of Carrera marble, was built in 1920s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1976, the American Society of Civil Engineers named it as one of the most significant bridges in Florida, and in 1997 it was placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of the nation's 11 most endangered historic structures." It takes a few minutes to cross, but the view from the bridge is not for the hurried. The same locals who complain about the wait have often appreciated the scenic beauty. Many residents of Anastasia Island were attracted to the area, in part, because of the beauty of the bridge. A few years ago, we said, "Make no mistake -- our singular sanction both culturally and economically is our unique place in history. As a city, we've done a poor job in some respects when it comes to historic preservation and we've had some notable successes." Trying to keep the look and feel of the Bridge of Lions will be one of those successes. Nothing against the ease and speed of the State Road 312 bridge. But downtown St. Augustine is not at its base. If
ever
there
was
a
place
to
slow
down
and
enjoy
salt
air,
sailboats
in
the
wind
and
yachts
at
the
marina,
a
fort
on
the
bank
and
people
from
all
places
enjoying
one
place,
downtown
St.
Augustine
is
it.
|