Observations on the Matlacha Bridge project
To the editor:
In regards to what’s left of the Matlacha Bridge, I would like to add some comments and some information on it. I have the misfortune to use the bridge quite often and it is really an adventure, like not knowing if I can get across, or ever get back on. Also, over the last few months, I have noticed that the contractor’s work force seldom exceeds three or four people at times, so it looks like it may be three or four years until the bridge is done.
On the matter of last week, when someone used the wrong sling to lift the cement piling, I and no doubt, thousands of other folks were stranded for hours and the traffic jam off-island was real bad. I have worked at sea for over 56 years, 22 years in the Navy and 34 years for oil companies survey ships and drilling rigs. I worked in the San Francisco area during the time three new bridges were built. At no time did I ever see material brought on the old bridges. All the stuff was brought in by barges. Considering the fact that the old bridge was never rated for these heavy trucks I imagine that sooner or later the bridge will cave in and we all can swim or use boats to get off the islands.
I would ask the county, or who ever is in charge of keeping an eye on this outfit, to pull the records of the old bridge. There should be a federal weight limit in the plans. The Florida Highway patrol enforces limits on trucks and as a concerned citizen, I would suggest that they get down here and stop this madness of closing the bridge, and also to enforce any law as far as weight. The fact that the traffic now is off center of the bridge does not help any as shifting the traffic to one side tends to shift the bridge balance on the pilings which may collapse the bridge.
Also, the area around the bridge is a disaster waiting to happen. The motel on the north end is cut off and that goes for the south end. The motel could of been bought, and leveled and the land used for a storage yard for the new bridge. Anyways, for this contractor to use the old bridge as a loading dock is to me improper and should be stopped right now.
Ambulances, fire trucks, and also school buses full of kids are in peril every time the bridge is closed. This contractor needs to bring in the materials by barge and do it now, like there are two cranes there to lift with.
James Ramber
St. James City