New bridge into Key West nears completion

The Cow Key Channel Bridge repair crews have installed a new bridge deck and are expected to finish the project in late 2020. FDOT/Contributed

The Cow Key Bridge overhaul started in March, just as the COVID pandemic brought Florida Keys tourism, schools — and traffic — to a virtual standstill.

The timeframe offered a silver lining to the coronavirus closures, as the anticipated traffic nightmares were not an issue while visitors were prevented from entering the island chain.

Traffic tie-ups started when the Keys reopened to tourists on June 1, but have remained significantly less of a problem than expected prior to the pandemic.

The Florida Department of Transportation is managing and funding the $6.2 million repairs to and replacement of the bridge that separates Key West from neighboring Stock Island.

According to FDOT’s Aug. 29 update, the project is now in its second and final phase, with work expected to be complete “in late 2020.”

“Crews successfully poured and completed the new bridge deck,” the update states. “Bridge barrier walls and rails are scheduled to be completed in the coming month, although the schedule may change due to bad weather or other unexpected conditions.”

FDOT officials also issue a notice to mariners about vessel access under the bridge.

“Construction crews are working in the water and overhead,” the update states. “Bridge spans 2, 3 and 4 are blocked by barges. For the safety of mariners and the construction crew, mariners should use other spans for passage or consider an alternate route. Please use caution and pay close attention to no-wake zone signs.” .

More information is available from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West at 305-292-8727.

The diagram details sidewalk closures to bikes and pedestrians during the current construction phase. FDOT/Contributed