Blue Heron Bridge to be closed to divers for a year?

by Eric Cheng Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

The Blue Heron Bridge, the site where the recent striated frogfish spawning was filmed, may be in danger of being closed to divers for a year. Today, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host an Open House to inform the community about the upcoming Little Blue Heron Bridge Replacement Project. If you’re local to Palm Beach, please go and voice your opinion!

Time and location:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Palm Beach Shores Town Hall Street
214 Edwards Lane, Palm Beach Shores FL 33404

UPDATE: More information…

Little Blue Heron Bridge Replacement Project Open House
District: Four
Meeting Type: Meeting
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Time: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location Name: Palm Beach Shores Town Hall
Street Address: 214 Edwards Lane
City: Palm Beach Shores FL 33404

Purpose:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host an Open House to inform the community about the upcoming Little Blue Heron Bridge Replacement Project.

The project includes removing and replacing the existing low level bridge on Blue Heron Boulevard/State Road A1A near Phil Foster Park. Construction will begin this fall and last approximately one year.

The Open House will provide attendees with information about the scope of work, construction schedule and maintenance of traffic for this project. The Open House will have an informal format. No formal presentation will be made. FDOT and project representatives will be available throughout the Open House to discuss the project and answer questions one-on-one.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.

If you need special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, require translation services (free of charge) or would like further information about this project or Open House, please contact Public Information Officer Tish Burgher by phone at 561-640-6441 or by e-mail at Tish@QCAusa.com

Primary Contact: Tish Burgher
Primary Phone: 561-640-6441
Primary E-Mail: Tish@QCAusa
Additional Contact: FDOT District Four Public Information Office
Additional Phone: Toll Free 866-336-8435 ext. 4090
Additional E-mail: barbara.kelleher@dot.state.fl.us
Expires: 8/20/2009

I attended this meeting and have the following thoughts on what was discussed. First let me say that I have been diving the bridge area for over thirty-five years. The Little Blue Heron Bridge was built in 1950 and all who attended this meeting agree that the bridge needs to be replaced. It is becoming unsafe to drivers and divers alike. During the past ten months large chunks of concrete some as large as 2' X 2' X 12' have fallen from the span above the very area used by hundreds of divers each week. All who attended also were in agreement that this site is one of the most unique dive areas in the state of Florida and that many animals found there can not be found anywhere else that we are aware of. This project will involve the replacement of all of the concrete pilings and both the east and west retaining walls. Some damage to the ecosystem will be unavoidable as holes will be drilled in the lagoon bed to install the pilings. Larger pilings will replace the existing ones and fewer will be needed. All work will be done from the top of the existing bridge and no barge will be needed. DOT owns the area 150 feet north and south of the bridge center line so work can only be done in that area. Diving will only be restricted in that 300 foot wide area. Phil Foster Park will remain open and no equipment or construction material will be stored there. The park will continue to run as normal and the entrance will not be blocked. Diving in any other area around the construction including the high bridge and the sailboat area WILL NOT BE RESTRICTED. The hight of the bridge will only be raised on the east side by six inches to allow for drainage and we should not expect additional boat traffic when the project is complete. Work is expected to start at the end of this month and last for over a year. Phil Rudin
Posted by tropical1 on 2009-08-19 19:55:56 This implies massive destruction of the unique community of organisms under this bridge. Other than profit, is there a compelling rationale for destroying this ecosystem? I find it hard to imagine one. I am obviously concerned. Bob Jackson
Posted by r.m.jackson on 2009-08-19 15:32:37 I will be attending, any issues you would like have addressed? Phil Rudin
Posted by tropical1 on 2009-08-19 14:47:28