The 1A option means the DOT will rehabilitate the bridge by removing the deck and railing. The bascule or drawbridge span will remain the same. Horizontal clearance for boats will also remain the same at 76 feet. The travel lanes will be widened from 10 feet to 11 feet. The Thursday morning announcement is not the final decision.
Today is just our announcement.
And we recommend that the bridge stay as it is, said Huey Hawkins, DOT district secretary. Next, DOT will write the final environmental impact statement. That will be reviewed by state and federal agencies, which include the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Highway Administration. It will take six to nine months for the impact statement to be finalized, said Hawkins. Hawkins said it is possible the option will be opposed by the Coast Guard during this process.