Comments on: Highway 97 Bridge To Close For Reconstruction

By: NWFLAFOB

NWFLAFOB — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 17:01:22 +0000

William, how about the bridges on Phillips, Arthur Brown, and Nokomis roads? Even though 97 is a state road, would pointing out to the Commissioner that its closure at that location is yet another option closed to those who use these routes every day. Though he couldn’t sway the state, maybe by adding the significance of the 97 closure to the other closures, he’d understand the necessity to fast track the county process. Folks who didn’t live it every day or depend on it for safety reasons don’t likely understand the ramifications of all these simultaneous closures. If memory serves, when Phillips Road bridge was announced, they were to begin the process for contracting at year’s end. Not sure about Brown and Nokomis bridges but, great googly moogly!!

By: William

William — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 15:51:03 +0000

>>>, I urge everyone to contact and continue contacting the County Commissioner for this area, Steve Barry.

This is a state bridge on a state road. The county commission would have zero say or involvement in closing this bridge.

By: NWFLAFOB

NWFLAFOB — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 15:28:40 +0000

As more and more roadways are closed off due to bridge construction, I urge everyone to contact and continue contacting the County Commissioner for this area, Steve Barry. It’s become like some sort of board game – how many entrance/egress points can be sealed off to entrap residents of north Escambia County. Bratt res is right. Sure, we’re rural and we love where we live but, c’mon, we have to go to town once in awhile! More importantly, inconvenience is one thing but endangering life and property by limiting access to emergency vehicles is quite another. Here is Commissioner Barry’s email contact info: district5@myescambia.com and phone: Dawn Troche, Commissioner’s Aide 850-595-4950. They should hear repeatedly from folks who are being adversely affected by these poorly scheduled “improvements” to our aging bridges and roadways. Make some noise!

By: Puddin

Puddin — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 12:38:35 +0000

Well thats gonna make my day a bit more of a pain. But, if it need replacing, then I’m glad its getting done.

By: Mike Litoris

Mike Litoris — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 11:43:35 +0000

Sure hope they get it fixed quick

By: B.Cook

B.Cook — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 04:19:00 +0000

Thanks for the clarification, William. Cnst and clsd look similar in the morning fog and the haze of aging eyesight. You do an amazing job. Thanks for all you do for North Escambia county!

By: Bratt res

Bratt res — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 03:55:56 +0000

I understand the whole bride repair thing, but what I don’t understand is who and why they planned all these bridges at pretty much the same time. There’s like 5 going on right now in this small community! The roads are worse than the “dirt” roads we used to have!! Better planning would have been nice!!

By: josh

josh — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:16:13 +0000

@emd is that a broken hardy boys reference there?

By: William

William — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:12:34 +0000

>>>If you are correct in that they will not close the road until a temporary bridge is installed, why has F.D.O.T. put the sign up on 12/27 saying the road will be closed from 1/3/18 until 8/30/18?

Our info is direct from FDOT, so it’s correct.

The sign does not say the road will be closed. It says “1/3 to 8/30 SR97 Bridge Cnst”

By: David Huie Green

David Huie Green — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 17:22:05 +0000

Just in case anybody else wondered:

“Functionally obsolete” means that the bridge design is outdated. For example, narrow shoulders, narrow lanes, or older traffic barriers can induce the functionally obsolete classification. Functionally obsolete bridges are scheduled for replacement or rehabilitation as budgets permit.

http://www.fdot.gov/maintenance/bridgeinfo.shtm

David the functionally obsolete