Shore Drive Bridge Replacement

Project Overview

Pinellas County is planning the replacement of the Shore Drive Bridge as part of an ongoing effort to maintain and operate a network of over 140 bridges.

The Shore Drive Bridge was originally constructed in 1923 by Luten Bridge Co. to provide access to Shore Drive and Ozona Drive; however, the bridge does not provide the only access to these neighborhoods. A preliminary engineering report conducted in 2021 shows the existing bridge is nearing the end of its useful life and requires complete replacement due to issues with both the substructure and superstructure.  The replacement bridge will also be designed to meet current roadway standards and provide access for pedestrians.

The existing arch-deck bridge is approximately 80-feet-long and provides a clear arch span of 49-feet, 10-inches. The bridge has an overall roadway width of 23-feet, 6-inches, providing two 10-foot lanes and no sidewalks or shoulders.

Pinellas County is proposing a 60-foot-long single-span bridge to help improve water flow and reduce environmental impact. The proposed bridge will have an overall width of 40-feet, 6-inches, providing two 11-foot lanes, shoulders, and a 6-foot sidewalk on the south side.

Project Location

Anticipated Schedule

Design: February 2022 – Summer 2024
Construction: Early 2027 – Fall 2028

Construction Traffic Plan

For the duration of the construction of the new bridge, Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) will be utilized at the work areas for traffic control and safety. Shore Drive traffic will be detoured east and west of the project site. The MOT will guide traffic west on Shore Drive towards Ridge Road in order to access properties and lead traffic to Orange Street. The proposed MOT east of the project site will have a “Road Closed Local Traffic Only” sign. The current regulatory speed of 25 MPH will be maintained during construction within the open portions of Shore Drive.

The proposed MOT will be in accordance with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Standard indices. The contractor will notify adjacent property owners at a minimum of 48 hours in advance of any construction activities that may temporarily restrict access. For any necessary lane closures local law enforcement, emergency/rescue agencies, public service and life safety personnel will be notified 24 hours in advance.

Community Outreach

A virtual project information meeting will be scheduled ahead of the construction start. Postcards will be delivered with meeting information once finalized.

April 18, 2023: Pinellas County held a Project Information Meeting at Harbor Hall in Palm Harbor to share information and answer questions about the project. That information is summarized in this presentation.

Project Funding

This project is supported by the Penny for Pinellas.

Contact Us

Kameron Thomas-Gonzalez
Project Manager
Public Works / Capital Improvements
14 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3406
kthomasgonzalez@pinellas.gov