The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is weighing three options: either a low or mid-level bascule type of drawbridge, or what is referred to as a high-clearance fixed span bridge for Longboat Pass on the north end of the barrier island.
One thing for certain is that the aging existing drawbridge that was built in 1957 will be replaced. Right now, residents and Longboat Key officials are being asked to weigh in on their preference.
The cost is not equal. A fixed span is the least expensive at an estimated $93.3 million. Either bascule bridge will cost about $133 million.
Longboat Key officials have already offered their opinion in a June 28 letter to FDOT.
“Our primary recommendation is that the fixed-span bridge, while the less costly option, is not the right solution for several reasons.”
The letter goes on to say that because a fixed span bridge would be higher than the Ringling Bridge, the steep slope of the bridge would create a danger for both pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, Longboat Key has stated that it would undermine the residential character of the island especially since there are no condominium towers on the northernmost tip of Longboat.
The FDOT plans to finalize its decision by end of next year and start its engineering process in 2026.
