KMI Kentucky Military Institute (Hatchett Creek) Bridge

Hatchet Creek Bridge in Venice: A Historical Landmark and Tourist Attraction

The Hatchett Creek Bridge, also known as the KMI Bridge, is a vital transportation link for the residents and visitors of Venice, Florida. The bridge carries U.S. Highway 41 across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) at Mile Marker 56.9 in the middle of Venice. The bridge is the northern access to the island of Venice via the mainland, and it connects the city with other parts of Sarasota County.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is starting a $2.2 million improvement project this month on the KMI Bridge. The project will include structural, mechanical, and electrical updates to maintain the long-term bridge performance. The improvement project is necessary to ensure the safety of the bridge and the people who use it. The bridge is essential for the economic growth of the region, and it plays a crucial role in the daily lives of the people who live and work in Venice.

Hatchett Creek Bridge Overview

Hatchett Creek Bridge is a bascule bridge located in Venice, Florida, USA. It is operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and crosses over Hatchett Creek, connecting the mainland with the island of Venice. The bridge is a vital transportation link for both vehicular and marine traffic. In this section, we will provide an overview of the Hatchett Creek Bridge, including its location, history, bridge type, vertical and horizontal clearance, and recent updates.

Location and History

The Hatchett Creek Bridge is located at mile marker 56.9, with the coordinates N 27° 06.194' / W 082° 26.648'. It was constructed in 1967 and has been in operation since then. The bridge is an important transportation link for the city of Venice, connecting the mainland with the island of Venice.

Bridge Type

The Hatchett Creek Bridge is a bascule bridge, which means that it has a movable section that can be raised and lowered to allow for the passage of boats and other watercraft. The bridge has two main spans, each of which is approximately 50 feet long. The bridge is operated by a bridge tender who controls the movement of the bridge.

Vertical and Horizontal Clearance

The Hatchett Creek Bridge has a vertical clearance of 30 feet when the bridge is closed. When the bridge is open, the vertical clearance is unlimited. The horizontal clearance of the bridge is approximately 70 feet.

Bridge Tender and Electrical Updates

The Hatchett Creek Bridge is operated by a bridge tender who is responsible for opening and closing the bridge. The bridge tender communicates with boats and other watercraft to determine when the bridge needs to be opened. The bridge tender also operates the bridge's electrical system, which powers the bridge's lights and other equipment.

In recent years, the Hatchett Creek Bridge has undergone several electrical updates to improve its safety and reliability. These updates have included the installation of new electrical systems and the replacement of aging equipment. These improvements have helped to ensure that the Hatchett Creek Bridge remains a vital transportation link for the city of Venice.

In conclusion, the Hatchett Creek Bridge is an important transportation link for the city of Venice, connecting the mainland with the island of Venice. It is a bascule bridge with a vertical clearance of 30 feet and a horizontal clearance of approximately 70 feet. The bridge is operated by a bridge tender who is responsible for opening and closing the bridge and controlling the bridge's electrical system. Recent updates have improved the safety and reliability of the bridge.

Construction and Improvement Project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is starting a $2.2 million improvement project this month on the KMI Bridge over Hatchett Creek in Venice, Sarasota County. The project includes structural, mechanical, and electrical updates to maintain the long-term bridge performance.

Schedule and Lane Closures

The construction project is expected to last for approximately six months, with work commencing in October 2021. During the construction period, there will be some lane closures and traffic disruptions, which may cause minor delays. The FDOT has advised motorists to exercise caution and follow the posted speed limits and traffic signs in the construction zone.

Reviews and Community Feedback

The FDOT has conducted several reviews and assessments of the KMI Bridge over Hatchett Creek, which revealed the need for improvements to ensure the safety and reliability of the bridge. The project has received support from the local community, who have expressed their appreciation for the FDOT's efforts to enhance the infrastructure in the area.

In conclusion, the improvement project on the KMI Bridge over Hatchett Creek is a necessary step to maintain the long-term performance and safety of the bridge. The FDOT has taken into account the concerns and feedback of the local community and is working diligently to ensure that the project is completed on time and with minimal disruptions to traffic.

Bridge Operations

The Hatchett Creek Bridge is a vital transportation link for the island of Venice, connecting it to the mainland. The bridge is operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and it is essential that it be operated safely and efficiently to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) Bridge

The KMI Bridge is the northern access point to the island of Venice via US 41. FDOT will begin a $2.2 million improvement project this month on the KMI Bridge, which is expected to be completed by late spring 2022, weather permitting. The work will include structural, mechanical, and electrical updates to maintain the long-term bridge performance. Lane closures will be limited to overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to minimize motorist inconvenience.

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway

The Hatchett Creek Bridge spans the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which is a critical transportation route for commercial and recreational boaters. The Coast Guard regulates the operation of the bridge, and boaters should be aware of the bridge's operating schedule.

US 41 and Tamiami Trail

US 41 and Tamiami Trail are major highways that intersect at the Hatchett Creek Bridge. The bridge's operation can have a significant impact on traffic flow, and it is essential that the bridge be operated safely and efficiently to minimize delays.

Bridge Tender

The bridge tender is responsible for operating the bridge and ensuring that it is safe for motorists and boaters. The tender communicates with motorists and boaters via VHF channel 9, which is the designated bridge-to-ship channel.

VHF Channel

Boaters should monitor VHF channel 9 when approaching the Hatchett Creek Bridge. The bridge tender will communicate with boaters to let them know when the bridge will be opened and closed. Boaters should follow the tender's instructions and approach the bridge with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current condition of the Hatchet Creek Bridge in Venice?

The Hatchet Creek Bridge in Venice is currently in good condition. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has recently started a $2.2 million improvement project on the bridge, which includes structural, mechanical, and electrical updates to maintain the long-term bridge performance.

Has there been any recent maintenance or repairs done on the Hatchet Creek Bridge?

Yes, the FDOT has recently started a $2.2 million improvement project on the Hatchet Creek Bridge. The project includes structural, mechanical, and electrical updates to maintain the long-term bridge performance.

Are there any weight restrictions for vehicles crossing the Hatchet Creek Bridge?

No, there are no weight restrictions for vehicles crossing the Hatchet Creek Bridge.

How long is the Hatchet Creek Bridge in Venice?

The Hatchet Creek Bridge in Venice is approximately 1,000 feet long.

Are there any toll fees associated with crossing the Hatchet Creek Bridge?

No, there are no toll fees associated with crossing the Hatchet Creek Bridge.

Has the Hatchet Creek Bridge in Venice ever been closed for repairs or construction?

Yes, the Hatchet Creek Bridge in Venice has been closed for repairs and construction in the past. However, the FDOT tries to minimize the impact on traffic by scheduling repairs and construction during off-peak hours whenever possible.