Orion Construction flagmen will continue to delay traffic flow for utility work and to maneuver heavy equipment during the next week, according to Jim Cooper of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority.
Orion will begin demolishing the old South Bridge during the first three weeks of June.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority reports work on the new Center and South bridges is 13 percent compete and remains on schedule. The detour bridge will open for all two-lane GIBA traffic on Thursday, May 31, or June 1.
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Jim Cooper
The latest GIBA update came on Day 59 of 630 project days. The finish date for the new South Bridge remains March 2013 and the completion date for the new Center Bridge remains December 2013.
The latest South Bridge progress includes:
The 360-foot steel ACROW detour bridge deck and pilings are fully installed. Paving the temporary roadway will take place Tuesday, May 29,, the day after Memorial Day weekend.
Fact Box
Bridge construction keys
Prime contractor: Orion Marine Construction of Tampa
Start: Construction began March 12 on Center and South fixer bridges
South Bridge completion: March 2013
Center Bridge completion: December 2013
GIBA ad valorem milestones
April 25: Decided specific terms of property tax to be placed on ballot
July 9: File ballot language with county
Oct. 1: Toll increases to $6 per vehicle
Oct. 19: Official public notice of referendum
Nov. 6: Election Day
Center Bridge progress:
The first four in-water test piles will be driven nearly 130 feet by Tuesday. The Big Red 300-ton crane and barge is working full time at the Center Bridge.
The new Orion Concrete Production Center Bridge concrete pilings installation begins May 23. Twelve pilings will be driven 100-feet deep and set for each pier.
Several Australian exotic pine trees at the north end of Cole Island, which conflict with Gasparilla Island Water Association utilities, have been removed to ensure timely GIWA utility relocations on the west side of the GIBA Causeway. More will be removed in the next seven days.
