New span done, old one to be torn down

With traffic flowing both ways on the new bridge, attention turns now to the old drawbridge demolition.

By AARON SHAROCKMAN
Published August 20, 2005

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CLEARWATER - Cars are now rolling both ways on the new Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge, a milestone in the construction of the $69.3-million project delayed by more than 500 days.

Westbound lanes of the 2,340-foot-long bridge opened to traffic at 2:50 p.m. Friday, a day after eastbound lanes were christened by a group of city leaders.

Work crews scrambled to finish paving a stretch of roadway leading to the new bridge.

The transition was smooth, state officials say.

But the work is far from over.

Crews must finish painting the new bridge. They must also demolish the old, 1960s drawbridge, which is now closed to traffic.

WHAT'S NEXT?: Here are some of the plans, according to the Florida Department of Transportation:

Old pedestrian ramp stays open until Monday.

Crews cut out part of the drawbridge.

About Aug. 31, the drawbridge is raised and locked in to the open position. Electricity will be disconnected.

Drawbridge dismantled.

Bridge piers above the water demolished using explosives.

Bridge piers below the water demolished using explosives.

Debris taken to a reef 12 miles offshore.

The work should be finished by the end of the year.