Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge Replacement

Completed in 2010, the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge Replacement Project was the first bridge in U.S. History to use a specialized construction technique of “incremental launching” pushing 18 segments from each end bent. The launched sections were constructed through a contractor driven CSI which utilized the design-build delivery method. The launched sections adjoined 5 spans on each side of modified Type VI beams.
This project was a multiple award-winning project was a LAP project completed for Pinellas County and FDOT. The project consisted of replacing the existing low-level causeway with a high-rise bridge 3,450-foot and a 300-foot relief bridge over the ICWW with 74-foot clearance. This bridge was constructed over an environmentally sensitive estuary bay area using a post tension incremental launching method, launching 9 spans of 2 segments each from both ends with a 550-foot PT splice girder system connecting them in the middle. This Value engineering method saved on cost and schedule in which the owner shared in both. Other scope included roadwork, MOT, erosion control, embankment, underground utilities, sidewalks, sodding, boat ramp, piling, sheet piling and MSE walls. This award-winning bridge was ranked #5 by Roads and Bridges Magazine’s Top 10 Bridges for 2009. It also received the National APWA Award for 2009.
Motorists now enjoy and uninterrupted route to Belleair Beach without having to wait for the predecessor drawbridge which was known for mechanical breakdowns among other things. A new boat ramp was built on the east end of the causeway along with sidewalks on either side of the bridge separated by a Jersey barrier for motorist and pedestrian safety and dedicated bicycle lanes for bicyclists the regularly use the bridge.