To the Editor:
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Board should be commended for their vision and forward planning in deciding to award the final construction contract to Orion Marine of Tampa to start in March to replace the 54-year-old Center and South fixed bridges, which were already weight-limited and deteriorating rapidly.
It was clearly the right thing to do and represents "just-in-time" smart planning!
The addition of the speed bumps three years ago slowing all traffic to 20 mph on all three bridges clearly has equally been a smart GIBA Board decision. It has been proven over time to reduce unwanted beam cracking and it helped prolong the life span of all three of the GIBA's aging bridges until they can be replaced.
Jim Cooper
executive director
Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority
