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St.
Augustine
Record Editorial I noticed a sign on the State Road 312 bridge the other day that read "Bridge of Lions Detour." This is notice that we are all in for some trying times in the near future if DOT continues with its announced plans to rehabilitate the Bridge of Lions rather than construct a new replacement bridge with all the modern safety features. I recognize that what to do with the Bridge of Lions has been a contraversial and emotional debate, raising the concerns of those who wish to preserve the 1927 bridge and the fears of citizens who recognize the danger of ignoring well-established safety standards, and forcing ever increasing loads of automobiles, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as boats to utilize a 73-year-old old conveyance that is so obviously inadequate. The consequences of this decision to the citizens of St. Augustine and its millions of visitors are astounding. The decision to rehabilitate the 1927 bridge, with its narrow travel lanes, narrow pedestrian walkways, an inadequate barrier to separate them, and a narrow horizontal span for boats seems clearly to be a violation of DOT's mission "to provide a safe interconnected transportation system." The Bridge of Lions is the designated route for Davis Shores and Anastasia Island north of the Alligator Farm. The DOT states that the rehabilitation option meets all department standards for bridge construcion with the exception of the Americans with Disabilities Act minimum 5 foot requirement for sidewalks. This standard will be met for the majority of the lenth of the bridge, but will not be met on the bridges bascule span where the sidewalk will continue to be 3 feet. A design exception for this section will be persued by the DOT. I appreciate the concerns of those who wish to save the old bridge. They are passionate about preserving the antiquity of Old St. Augustine, and have adopted the Bridge of Lions as a cause. They have been active in arguing their case, but I can assure you there are many residents of St. Augustine who recognize the need for a new bridge. The St. Augustine Commission is on record as favoring a new bridge, similar to the one proposed as "Option IIA" in the DOT's Draft Environmental Impact Statement of December 1998. Twelve former mayors are on record as favoring a new, safe bridge. in other words, in spite of the clamor of those promoting rehabilitation, there are many who recognize the long-term impact and support the construction of a new, safe replica of the existing Bridge of Lions. The existing Bridge of Lions is functionally obsolete and substandard. After the DOT spends over $30 million dollars of taxpayers' money for rehabilitation, the bridge will be functionally obsolete and substandard. I believe that the current plan to rehabilitate the old bridge is such an improper use of tax dollars that I can only question how such a decision was made. The argument for a larger, safer bridge with appropriately sized travel lanes, capable of accomodating large automobiles, buses, trucks, RV's and emergency vehicles are simply compelling. In light of these sircumstances, is it not probable that all the data used to establish DOT safety standards could well be used against the DOT in litigation arising from future accidents? The decision by the DOT will have such a lasting impact on the lives of our citizens that I feel obligated to press this issue to the end, and hope that an intelligent solution can replace an emotional one. If you agree with the comments of this letter, please do not call me. Contact Governor Jeb Bush and urge him to reverse the decision of the DOT. |