Subject:
Title
Adopt Resolution supporting Brevard County's preference of maintenance and operation policy of Mathers Bridge
End
Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
District 4
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve and authorize the Chair to execute the resolution and direct staff to prepare a letter to the United States Coast Guard requesting modification of the deck opening schedule for Mathers Bridge.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Mathers Bridge is a swing span bridge which connects the southern end of South Tropical Trail on Merritt Island to the western end of Banana River Drive in the City of Indian Harbour Beach.
The bridge deck opening schedule for Mathers Bridge to accommodate boat (vessel) traffic is normally on an on-demand basis. As a study and at the request of the County, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) previously permitted a deviation to the regular schedule between February 5, 2018 and August 4, 2018 allowing for openings on the hour and half hour as opposed to on-demand. Upon completion of the study, the Coast Guard accepted the results of their survey of users (overwhelmingly boaters responded) and directed the County to revert back to the on-demand bridge opening schedule.
The principal reasons the County requested to go to a scheduled bridge opening arrangement rather than on demand opening were; One, to reduce wear and tear on the bridge and two, provide predictability for both boat and vehicular traffic including emergency response. Further, it is important to know that the bridge is faithfully maintained in accordance with best practices including; but not limited to; lubrication, clearance adjustments, etc.
Recently, due to an unforeseeable mechanical failure, due to wear related issues, the bridge was disabled and could not automatically be opened for waterway traffic. After repairs were completed, staff believes by returning to opening the bridge on a set...
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