Albee Road Bascule Bridge

Albee Road Bridge: History, Design, and Current State

The Albee Road Bridge is a vital structure that connects the communities of Nokomis and Venice in Sarasota County, Florida. The bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway and provides a direct route for motorists to reach the Gulf of Mexico. However, in recent years, the bridge has been in need of repair due to its deteriorating condition.

According to a report from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the Albee Road Bridge underwent repairs in 2021 that altered traffic flow for nine months. The work resulted in lane closures and traffic delays for motorists. However, the repairs were necessary to ensure the safety of the bridge and maintain its structural integrity. As of August 2022, the bridge is undergoing further repairs and painting, resulting in nighttime lane and sidewalk closures.

Despite the temporary inconveniences caused by the repairs, the Albee Road Bridge remains an important transportation link for the local community. As such, it is essential that the necessary repairs and maintenance are carried out to ensure the longevity of the bridge and the safety of its users.

Overview

The Albee Road Bridge is a critical transportation infrastructure in Sarasota County, Florida. It connects the mainland to Casey Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. The bridge is a popular route for both locals and tourists, providing a scenic view of the Gulf and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Background

The Albee Road Bridge was built in 1963 and underwent rehabilitation in 2002. It is a metal variable depth deck girder, movable double leaf bascule with fixed trunnion and approach spans of pre-stressed concrete stringer. The main span length is 82 feet, and the bridge has a vertical clearance of 14 feet when closed.

Location

The Albee Road Bridge is located in Nokomis, Sarasota County, Florida. It spans across the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting the mainland to Casey Key. The bridge is an essential link for residents and visitors, providing access to the beach, restaurants, and other attractions on the island.

Design

The Albee Road Bridge has a unique design that allows it to open and close to allow boats to pass through. The bridge has two movable spans that are counterbalanced with weights to make the operation more manageable. The bridge's mechanical and electrical systems are controlled by a central control tower, which monitors the bridge's position and status.

The Albee Road Bridge has undergone several repairs and maintenance works over the years to ensure its safety and reliability. In 2021, the bridge underwent significant repair work that forced lane closures for nine months, causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians. In 2022, the bridge also underwent repairs and painting, causing nighttime lane and sidewalk closures.

Overall, the Albee Road Bridge is an essential piece of infrastructure that connects the mainland to Casey Key and provides a scenic view of the Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway. Its unique design and functionality make it a landmark in Sarasota County, and its maintenance and repair work ensure its safety and reliability for years to come.

Maintenance and Repairs

The Albee Road Bridge is a 58-year-old structure that requires regular maintenance and repairs to ensure its longevity. Sarasota County is responsible for maintaining and repairing the bridge, and they have undertaken several projects to ensure the bridge remains safe and functional.

Structural Components

The Albee Road Bridge has several structural components that require regular maintenance and repairs. These include the bridge deck, beams, and girders. The bridge deck is the surface that vehicles and pedestrians travel on, and it requires periodic resurfacing to prevent deterioration. The beams and girders support the bridge deck, and they require regular inspections to identify any signs of wear or damage.

Bridge Rehabilitation

Sarasota County is currently undertaking a rehabilitation project on the Albee Road Bridge to extend its life by 15 years. The project involves repairing and replacing several components, including the bridge deck, beams, and girders. The rehabilitation project is expected to take nine months to complete and will result in limited access to Nokomis and North Jetty beaches, as well as all of south Casey Key.

During the rehabilitation project, there will be nightly lane and sidewalk closures on the bridge to allow for repairs and painting. The closures are scheduled to be in place until May 31, 2023.

Painting

Painting is an essential part of maintaining the Albee Road Bridge. The bridge is regularly painted to protect it from the elements and prevent corrosion. The most recent painting project on the bridge began in August 2022 and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2023. The project involves sandblasting the existing paint and applying a new coat of paint.

In conclusion, the Albee Road Bridge requires regular maintenance and repairs to ensure its longevity. Sarasota County is responsible for maintaining and repairing the bridge, and they have undertaken several projects to ensure the bridge remains safe and functional. The ongoing rehabilitation project is expected to extend the life of the bridge by 15 years, and the painting project will protect it from the elements and prevent corrosion.

Lane Closures and Traffic Control

The Albee Road Bridge is currently undergoing repairs and painting, which has resulted in lane closures and temporary traffic control measures. These closures are necessary to ensure the safety of workers and motorists while the bridge is being worked on.

Temporary Traffic Control

Starting August 7, there will be nightly lane and sidewalk closures on the Albee Road Bridge. The closures are scheduled to be in effect for the next 45 days as crews continue to work on the bridge rehabilitation. Traffic control measures have been put in place to help manage traffic flow during this time.

Traffic Signal Timing

To help alleviate traffic congestion during peak travel times, traffic signal timing has been adjusted to extend green times. This will help to keep traffic moving smoothly through the area.

Off-Duty Deputies

In addition, off-duty deputies are assisting with traffic control from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This will help to ensure that traffic flows smoothly through the area and that motorists are safe while traveling through the construction zone.

Overall, while these lane closures and traffic control measures may cause some inconvenience for motorists, they are necessary to ensure the safety of workers and the public during the bridge rehabilitation process.

Pedestrian and Vehicular Access

The Albee Road Bridge provides both pedestrian and vehicular access. The bridge underwent repairs for nine months, which altered traffic flow. However, both lanes are now open to vehicular traffic, and pedestrian and bicycle access over the bridge mirrors vehicular access.

Swing Bridge

The Albee Road Bridge is a swing bridge that pivots horizontally to allow boats to pass through. According to the bridge operator, the bridge is well-maintained and operates smoothly. The bridge operator is responsible for opening and closing the bridge for boats, and drivers should exercise caution when approaching the bridge during this time.

Fender System

The bridge has a fender system that protects the bridge from damage caused by boats. The fender system consists of several large rubber bumpers attached to the bridge piers. The bumpers absorb the impact of boats and prevent damage to the bridge. The fender system is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its effectiveness.

Approach Slab

The approach slab is the section of the bridge that connects the bridge deck to the roadway. The approach slab is designed to absorb the impact of vehicles and prevent damage to the bridge. The approach slab is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its effectiveness.

In conclusion, the Albee Road Bridge provides both pedestrian and vehicular access. The bridge has a swing bridge that operates smoothly and a fender system that protects the bridge from damage caused by boats. The approach slab is designed to absorb the impact of vehicles and prevent damage to the bridge.

Marine Traffic

The Albee Road Bridge is an important part of the marine traffic in the area. It is a bascule bridge with a steel grid deck that provides a 14-foot closed vertical clearance with 90 feet of horizontal clearance in the center span. The currents run strong in the Casey River Thorofare, so it is important to keep a close eye on the vessel's position while idling and waiting for the bridge to respond.

Steel Grid Deck

The steel grid deck of the Albee Road Bridge is designed to provide a stable surface for vehicles and pedestrians while allowing water to pass through. The steel grid deck is made up of a series of steel bars that are welded together to form a grid pattern. The grid pattern allows water to pass through, reducing the weight of the bridge and increasing its stability.

Bridge Structure

The Albee Road Bridge is a bascule bridge, which means that it has a movable section that can be raised to allow boats and other vessels to pass underneath. The bridge structure is made up of a series of steel girders and beams that support the weight of the bridge. The movable section of the bridge is supported by a series of hydraulic cylinders that raise and lower the section.

Overall, the Albee Road Bridge is an important part of the marine traffic in the area. Its steel grid deck and bascule bridge structure provide a stable surface for vehicles and pedestrians while allowing boats and other vessels to pass underneath. The currents in the Casey River Thorofare can be strong, so it is important to keep a close eye on the vessel's position while waiting for the bridge to respond.

Conclusion

The Albee Road Bridge is an important transportation link in the Sarasota County area, connecting the mainland to the barrier island of Casey Key. Over the years, the bridge has undergone several repairs and rehabilitation projects to ensure it remains safe and functional for motorists and boaters alike.

In 2021, the bridge underwent a nine-month repair project that resulted in lane closures and altered traffic flow. The project was completed successfully, and the bridge was reopened to the public. In 2022, the bridge underwent nighttime lane and sidewalk closures for repairs and painting.

Despite its age, the Albee Road Bridge continues to operate frequently for boats with its bascule design. The bridge has a standard 1960s Florida bascule bridge design, with a length of 309.0 feet and a roadway width of 26.2 feet. It has one main span and three approach spans.

Overall, the Albee Road Bridge is an important infrastructure asset for the Sarasota County area. Its continued maintenance and rehabilitation ensure it remains a safe and reliable transportation link for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the Albee Road Bridge?

As of June 2023, the Albee Road Bridge is open for traffic. However, it underwent repairs and painting in August 2022, which caused nightly lane and sidewalk closures.

How long will the Albee Road Bridge be closed for construction?

The Albee Road Bridge is not currently closed for construction. In 2022, the bridge underwent repairs and painting, which caused nightly lane and sidewalk closures. The repairs lasted for an unspecified amount of time.

Is there a detour in place during the Albee Road Bridge closure?

Since the Albee Road Bridge is not currently closed, there is no detour in place. However, during the aforementioned repairs and painting in August 2022, there were no detours in place, but motorists were advised to seek alternate routes.

What is the phone number for updates on the Albee Road Bridge closure?

There is no phone number specifically for updates on the Albee Road Bridge closure since it is not currently closed. However, motorists can contact the Sarasota County Road and Bridge Department at (941) 861-5000 for general information on road closures and construction projects.

Has there been any progress on the Albee Road Bridge construction?

Since the Albee Road Bridge is not currently closed, there is no ongoing construction. However, the bridge underwent repairs and painting in August 2022, which were completed at an unspecified time.

Are there any alternate routes to Casey Key while the Albee Road Bridge is closed?

Since the Albee Road Bridge is not currently closed, there are no alternate routes in place. However, during the aforementioned repairs and painting in August 2022, motorists were advised to use the Blackburn Point Road Bridge as an alternate route to Casey Key.