Bridge Issues...Destin

don't know...do you suppose it could have something to do with the weight of the Emerald Grand shifting the sands in the harbor?

don't know...do you suppose it could have something to do with the weight of the Emerald Grand shifting the sands in the harbor?

That was exactly my thought! But, I haven't had enough coffee for a really clever reply. Where's Kitty when I need her?

I was wondering the same thing! I was telling a friend that lives in Destin not to worry about how ugly that thing is because if it has sunk 6 inches already that it will be in the pass once they dredge again. But I know I saw the DOT at the bridge in Inlet Beach yesterday and it looked like they were inspecting. Makes you wonder if the Destin Bridge failed inspection. I guess it could be possible that something as large as that could have an impact on the ground/sand around it.

A couple of ideas;
- a survey was done on the bridge and the abuse of the weight limit is affecting it's safety/maintenance requirements/length of life.
- Destin is not liking the idea of fully loaded semis barreling down 98 with tourist season on the way, and want to get drivers back on the designated routes.

ymmv

Destin Bridge Signs

Has anyone else seen the light up, road construction-like signs stating Destin Bridge / Legal Weight Only? I haven't seen anything in the news and have heard that there is a sign in DeFuniak. I saw one yesterday on 98, westbound, before (and I think after) the 98/331 intersection.

What does this mean? Is there something wrong with the bridge?

Re: Destin Bridge Signs

Has anyone else seen the light up, road construction-like signs stating Destin Bridge / Legal Weight Only? I haven't seen anything in the news and have heard that there is a sign in DeFuniak. I saw one yesterday on 98, westbound, before (and I think after) the 98/331 intersection.

What does this mean? Is there something wrong with the bridge?

Maybe the highway department is worried that the Emerald Grande will fall on it.

Re: Destin Bridge Signs

Whoops. I looked for a thread on the bridge signs but didn't do a search so I missed the other post. I'll keep an eye on that one.. Thanks Destindreamin

Sure. Keep us posted if you hear anything. I just thought it was funny that jdarg had the same reaction.

Finally, something....
http://story.waltonsun.com/article.display.db.php?a=2392


Eastbound Destin Bridge closed to overweight vehicles January 22, 2008 Florida Department of Transportation press release


Chipley?Due to minor cracks found in concrete caps that support the eastbound Destin Bridge, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is prohibiting overweight permitted loads (more than 80 thousand pounds) from crossing the structure until further notice. The restriction comes on the heels of a routine bridge inspection by department crews that revealed minor cracks and some settlement in the structure.

Crews are currently inspecting the bridge to determine a method of repair. FDOT inspects bridges on the state system every two years and more often if deemed necessary. There are no problems with the westbound bridge.

Re: Destin Bridge Signs

I was driving back from a trip to Pensacola today and saw a portable sign advertising the Destin Bridge Weight Limits between Gulf Breeze and Navarre.

I'm guessing they're wanting heavy trucks to go up Hwy 87 [in Navarre] to the I10 to avoid the bridge.

.

Eastbound....that is the one closest to the Emerald Grand, right?

Re: Destin Bridge Signs

I was driving back from a trip to Pensacola today and saw a portable sign advertising the Destin Bridge Weight Limits between Gulf Breeze and Navarre.

I'm guessing they're wanting heavy trucks to go up Hwy 87 [in Navarre] to the I10 to avoid the bridge.

.

Why not just have them cut thru FWB to the mid bay bridge? I don't think I want to be in front of the trucker that can't figure that one out. No offense if you are a trucker shelly.

Whats "ILLEGAL" with a permitted load?

I wonder why they would put "ILLEGAL LOADS" rather than permitted loads. They are legal loads if they are permitted. That seems confusing and could cause a major issue should a truck drive cross with a permitted load thinking its a legal load.

You just can't make this stuff up!

Re: Destin Bridge Signs

I'm guessing they're wanting heavy trucks to go up Hwy 87 [in Navarre] to the I10 to avoid the bridge.

Hopefully they realize that if they were carrying a legal load that they wouldnt be avoiding the weigh stations on I10 in the first place. Maybe the DOT just needs to become known for checking weight on 98 and that problem would solve itself. I have seen them checking local produce trucks, and the smaller trucks from furniture stores in this area, but have NEVER seen a large semi pulled over.

I permitted load is one that IS KNOWN to be over the weight limit but has special permitting because the thing being hauled might just be 1 item (such as the HUGE things for the various military bases around here). But when the driver gets directions for delivery the person may just want to give them the easiest way to get there. But I think that most of the over-weight issues are coming from the ones INTENTIONALLY over-loaded that are coming down 98 to avoid the weigh stations on I10.
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.Kurt....would you please merge the 2 threads on this. Thanks!

Eastbound....that is the one closest to the Emerald Grand, right?

yes...

I don't see illegal mentioned in the article. What is prohibited from crossing the bridge is a permitted, overweight vehicle, anything over 80,000#

New article..http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/11534

DOT inspectors will continue to examine the bridge through at least the end of next week to check for more serious problems. Right now, the problems seem to stem from pilings settling into the bed of East Pass and causing cracks in the caps directly under the bridge deck.

This is what I was told by one of the developers when I asked about the rumor that the Emerald Grand was sinking and destabilizing the bridge, prompting the new weight signs:

There is no settlement at Emerald Grand. Over the last two days there have been several articles in the paper regarding the bridge cracks and settlement issues and the fact that they do not know what is causing the problems.

We are too far away from the bridge to have caused this problem. In addition, we did not drive piles for the foundation, which was constructed with drilled caissons to limestone rock 80 feet deep and filled with reinforced concrete.

This is what I was told by one of the developers when I asked about the rumor that the Emerald Grand was sinking and destabilizing the bridge, prompting the new weight signs:

There is no settlement at Emerald Grand. Over the last two days there have been several articles in the paper regarding the bridge cracks and settlement issues and the fact that they do not know what is causing the problems.

We are too far away from the bridge to have caused this problem. In addition, we did not drive piles for the foundation, which was constructed with drilled caissons to limestone rock 80 feet deep and filled with reinforced concrete.

......and he added,...."I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never. These allegations are false."


.

......and he added,...."I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never. These allegations are false."


.

......and he added,...."I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never. These allegations are false."


.

Here's a dead horse Shelly, go beat it.

Eastbound Destin Bridge closed to overweight vehicles
January 22, 2008 Florida Department of Transportation press release

Chipley—Due to minor cracks found in concrete caps that support the eastbound Destin Bridge, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is prohibiting overweight permitted loads (more than 80 thousand pounds) from crossing the structure until further notice. The restriction comes on the heels of a routine bridge inspection by department crews that revealed minor cracks and some settlement in the structure.

Crews are currently inspecting the bridge to determine a method of repair. FDOT inspects bridges on the state system every two years and more often if deemed necessary. There are no problems with the westbound bridge.