[EXPIRED] Major Closures Scheduled for Flagler Memorial Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 1021, 4/18/2016
Since construction began in 2014, Flagler Memorial Bridge in West Palm Beach has been in a state of almost constant change. Flagler Memorial Bridge, with a closed vertical clearance of 17ft, crosses the Waterway and Lake Worth south of AICW marker #10. With the unusual construction circumstances and the resulting complete Waterway closures, even more patience will be required of East Florida cruisers. See added planning chart below.
FLORIDA ‘“ ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY ‘“ PALM SHORES TO WEST PALM BEACH ‘“ FLAGLER MEMORIAL/ROYAL
PARK/SOUTHERN BOULEVARD BRIDGES: Bridge Construction/Waterway Restriction/Temporary Bridge Regulation Changes/Update.
The Florida Department of Transportation has requested that the Flagler Memorial Bridge be placed on a restricted opening schedule until the new Flagler Memorial Bridge construction can be completed. Mariners are reminded that the horizontal clearance at the Flagler Memorial Bridge is currently set at 70 feet and will remain until the new
bridge is built and this bridge is removed.
Flagler Memorial Bridge Construction Update:
The main bascule spans of the new bridge are ready to be built along with concrete pours. This work will require the new spans to be left in the down position along with channel blockage due to floating equipment mandated to be in the waterway. The following schedule has been approved by the Coast Guard with the understanding that this method will take the least amount of time. This work will start on May 9 and will run through August 1, 2016.
Complete channel closure from May 9 through May 13, 2016.
Half-channel closures with the old Flagler Bridge also being on a single-leaf operation from May 14 through May 16, 2016.
Complete channel closure from May 17 to May 19, 2016.
Half-channel closures with the old Flagler Bridge also being on a single-leaf operation from May 20 through May 27, 2016.
The bridge will be on its temporary operating schedule during Memorial Day weekend, May 28 through May 30, 2016.
Half-channel closures with the old Flagler Bridge also being on a single-leaf operation from May 31 through June 6, 2016.
Complete channel closure on June 7 to June 15, 2016.
Half-channel closures with the old Flagler Bridge also being on a single-leaf operation from June 16 through July 1, 2016.
The bridge will be on its temporary operating schedule during July 4th weekend, July 2 through July 4, 2016
Complete channel closure on July 5 to July 13, 2016.
Half-channel closures with the old Flagler Bridge also being on a single-leaf operation from July 14 through August 1, 2016.
UPDATE:
The existing Flagler Memorial Bridge will remain on the following opening schedule – once an hour on the quarter-hour, with no openings at 8:15 a.m. or 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holiday to allow for rush hour traffic.
Per 33 CFR §117.31 Drawbridge operations for emergency vehicles and emergency vessels.
(a) Upon receiving notification that an emergency vehicle is responding to an emergency situation, a drawtender must make all reasonable efforts to have the drawspan closed at the time the emergency vehicle arrives.
(b) When a drawtender receives notice, or a proper signal as provided in §117.15 of this part, the drawtender shall take all reasonable measures to have the draw opened, regardless of the operating schedule of the draw, for passage of the following, provided this opening does not conflict with local emergency management procedures which have been approved by the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port:
(1) Federal, State, and local government vessels used for public safety;
(2) Vessels in distress where a delay would endanger life or property;
(3) Commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations; and
(4) Vessels seeking shelter from severe weather.
Ref: LNM 45-12 through 14-16 Chart: 11472
Our thanks to Captain Bill Hipple for this Excel chart to assist with your float plan:
Bill Hipple has also submitted a photo, with single span drawn in, of Flagler in the single span position.
Here is a shot of the bridge I took when passing through last week. By drawing in the single span scenario, I felt some folks may get a feel for what they will find on the best occasions. Remember there is no construction equipment or barges shown in these pictures but there is additional obstructions now that the work has begun.
Bill Hipple, May 14, 2016
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Flagler Memorial Bridge
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