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Molino Bridge That Collapsed In June Now Open
October 3, 2018
A new $1.97 million Molino bridge that partially collapsed on June 30 has opened to traffic.
On June 30 at the Highway 196 bridge over Jacks Branch, concrete for a bridge deck span was being poured into temporary forms when a rod and temporary truss failed. That caused two deck spans of concrete that had not hardened to fall into water below.
Earlier in June, crews were attempting to place concrete in another deck form that failed, causing the deck and truss under the form to sag, he said. That section of bridge deck was removed by the contractor.
“The safety of the state’s bridges is a top priority of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Due to our comprehensive bridge maintenance program, Florida has some of the safest bridges in the country,” said Ed Seifert, interim communications director for the FDOT, told NorthEscambia.com after the collapse. “Before any bridge is opened to the public, a thorough safety inspection is undertaken by FDOT.”
GDB-US Constructors, Inc. of Parish, FL, is the contractor on the project, the lowest of four bidders. This was their first bridge project in FDOT District 3, which includes Pensacola to Tallahassee. The bridge is owned by Escambia County; however, the replacement project is being constructed with federal dollars administered by FDOT.
Highway 196 had been closed since January for the bridge replacement.
Pictured: A look back at a June partial bridge collapse on Highway 196. Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge
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Pictured below: Sections of concrete bridge deck removed from the bridge after it began to sag three weeks ago can be seen to the right of the bridge.
Comments
15 Responses to “Molino Bridge That Collapsed In June Now Open”
I know it’s a different bridge and it hasn’t fallen any, but the new bridge on 99 is so rough and the curves in the bridge are so dangerous, my opinion is I wish they would have just left the old bridge.
OK so I went across it today–I made Jim get out and walk across it first since he’s near the weight limit and it held up so I figured it was safe to cross; we picked him up on the other side and was on our way
Finally open!
Trust, not this time. Change your route!
You could build two empire state buildings faster than they can build a little Bridge what a waste of taxpayers money
The sign has said “local traffic only”. I’ve been crossing for two weeks.
Speed is the key. Go fast enough, it can collapse and you’ll make it anyway. Dukes of Hazzard style.
well darn I just went to try it in a corolla; figured that was light enough to make it but it was still closed…
Let’s get mikey……he can drive over it.
You go first…No by all means, you can go first.
Is this the one between 95a and 29. Been wondering cause they have had that one closed forever.
An “expendable” overweight truck would make a good guinea pig for the first vehicle to cross the structure.
Great job on the redo guys!
The third time is the charm. I would trust it.
all ready to try out this bridge but kinda afraid to . think i will wait till others go first to see if it will stay up and not fall down for a third time . there is water under this bridge and i dont want to drown if you know what i mean !!!!!!!!!!