Central Avenue Bridge Delayed, But City Pushing the Timetable

While the City has “a great eagerness” to move forward on rebuilding the Central Avenue Bridge, which was severely damaged and closed after the 2007 floods, it has had its obstacles along the way. After expecting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, City officials were informed that the project was ineligible because the bridge is designated a State highway. The City is eligible for state funding, with a 20% match requirement.

At the Council’s March 25 meeting, Assistant City Manager Scott Pickup, who has worked on the long and winding application and funding process for two years, and Berger, Lehman Associates, P.C. principal Neil Weitman presented an update on the project. Pickup said the State’s request “for a whole new design process seemed a little extreme”, but that he and Berger, Lehman, which was hired right after the floods are in close contact with the State DOT. Weitman said they have already done a lot of the required work. There is a right-of-way issue with one abutment, which he recommends moving five feet west.

Mayor Steve Otis said that the City has spoken to the State Engineer of DOT, who offered advice and direction. “We have a commitment from DOT to accelerate on their end.” He added that additional tasks are required from the Federal Highway Administration, but that work might start on the bridge as early as this summer.

– Robin Jovanovich