Florida Department of Transportation Addresses Concerns Over Pensacola Bay Bridge Cracks
In a hastily called news conference on Tuesday, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) sought to reassure the public regarding cracks found in the new Pensacola Bay Bridge, emphasizing that these issues do not pose a major structural concern. The bridge, which is part of a $400 million replacement project—the largest of its kind in Northwest Florida—has been under scrutiny following reports of construction halts due to concrete cracking.
Safety First: FDOT’s Commitment
Jared Perdue, the director of transportation development for FDOT’s Chipley-based District Three office, opened the conference by stating, "The No. 1 priority of FDOT is the safety of the public." This commitment to safety was echoed throughout the event, as Perdue and Brett Pielstick, an independent inspector specializing in bridge concrete, addressed the media and public concerns directly.
The news conference came in the wake of reports indicating that concrete placement on the bridge deck had been halted twice due to cracks. The first stoppage occurred from April 5 to April 16, followed by another on June 26 and June 27. These interruptions raised questions about the integrity of the bridge, prompting the FDOT to take proactive measures in communicating with the public.
Understanding the Cracks
Pielstick provided detailed information about the nature of the cracks, which were found in nine sections of concrete. He described the cracks as being less than a centimeter wide—approximately the width of a credit card—and varying in length from 3 to 18 inches. While the cracks were about half an inch deep, Pielstick reassured attendees that they were superficial and not indicative of structural failure.
"The majority of the cracks will essentially be buffed out by machinery used to smooth the surface," Pielstick explained. He further noted that similar cracks had been identified in a support section of the bridge, known as a trophy piece, but these too were addressed with a special sealant, ensuring that the structural integrity of the bridge remained intact.
Construction Process and Challenges
During the two work stoppages, engineers took the opportunity to review the concrete mix and pouring procedures, ensuring that all aspects of the construction met safety standards. Pielstick emphasized that cracking is a common occurrence in large construction projects, often influenced by environmental factors such as wind speeds, temperature fluctuations, and humidity levels.
Jeff Bergosh, chairman of the Escambia County Commission, expressed his understanding of the situation, stating he was not alarmed by the cracking but would have preferred to be notified after the second work stoppage. "I’m not a structural engineer, but I think after the second stoppage, they should have notified the TPO (Transportation Planning Organization)," he remarked.
Moving Forward
As of the latest updates, approximately one mile of concrete for the three-mile bridge deck has been poured. The FDOT is under pressure to complete the new bridge, as the existing Pensacola Bay Bridge has been classified as structurally deficient. Perdue reiterated the importance of moving traffic to the new bridge as soon as possible, while also assuring the public that safety would not be compromised in the rush to finish the project.
To incentivize timely completion, Skanska Civil USA South, the contractor for the project, stands to receive a $15 million bonus if the first section of the bridge is completed by February 5, 2019. This timeline remains a focal point for both the FDOT and the public, as the new bridge is crucial for improving traffic flow and safety in the area.
Conclusion
The FDOT’s swift response to public concerns about the Pensacola Bay Bridge cracks highlights their commitment to transparency and safety. With ongoing inspections and a focus on resolving the issues at hand, officials are determined to ensure that the new bridge meets all safety standards before it opens to traffic. As the project progresses, the FDOT will continue to keep the public informed, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining the highest levels of safety and structural integrity.