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Beckett Bridge Aesthetics Committee Report

As specified in the Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Pinellas County created an Aesthetics Committee consisting of representatives from the local community, City of Tarpon Springs, Tarpon Springs Historical Society and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), to serve in an advisory capacity regarding appropriate aesthetic design elements for the replacement bridge.

Together with the Project Team, the Aesthetics Committee is working to develop a site specific, context sensitive bridge architectural theme that pays homage to the historic and cultural significance of the bridge and the surrounding area and allows for a unique aesthetic opportunity to be experienced by each user.

The ability to influence the bridge architectural theme is derived primarily from treatments to the bascule pier, overlooks and shade devices, pier shapes, railings, colors, abutments/walls and lighting. Conditions of the MOA required “representative, significant engineering elements” from the existing Beckett Bridge be identified and salvaged. Those salvaged parts will create opportunities for interpretive elements to be incorporated into the design aesthetic. The Committee is also sensitive to the primary need for safety and long-term maintenance considerations.

The Committee has met three times since the initial meeting on December 7, 2016, each time refining their preferences and suggestions for both large and small scale aesthetic options that will set the direction for the final details of the structure.

In the spring of 2018, the project team finalized the Aesthetics Plan and presented it to the Committee in a fourth and final meeting. A public workshop will be held later in the design phase. The purpose of the workshop will include the following:

  • Present final concept, including proposed aesthetic treatment of the bridge
  • Present the details of the proposed mitigation for demolition of the National Register of Historic Places-eligible bridge
  • Present detour and maintenance of traffic plans
  • Present information about anticipated construction schedule (if available)

The workshop will be conducted in an “open format.” Graphics and information will be displayed and project team members will be available to answer questions and provide information.