Tampa Bay Florida Department of Transportation
I-275 Sunshine Skyway Bridge Vertical Net Installation 445399-1-52-01
Project Details
Work TypeBarrierFence/VerticalNet
PhaseCompleted
Project StartJanuary 2021
CitySt. Petersburg
CountyPinellas
RoadI-275Skyway BridgeSunshineSkyway
Construction Cost$3,408,000
Estimated CompletionSummer 2021
ContractorSouthern Road & Bridge, LLC
Contact Information
Project Information
Brent Dustin 727-575-8300
Brent.Dustin@dot.state.fl.us
Media Contact
Kayla Mejia 813-975-6060
Kayla.Mejia@dot.state.fl.us
About
All items of work on this contract were complete as of June 23, 2021.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has reviewed multiple options to successfully deter suicide attempts on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while preserving the iconic design.
FDOT previously implemented non-structural deterrence methods including installing six crisis hotline phones to connect with suicide prevention staff, funding 24-hour Florida Highway Patrol coverage, installing cameras to reduce response time, installing signs that message suicide assistance is available, and implementing pedestrian and stopped vehicle detectors to reduce response time when motorists park on the bridge.
Technology advancements will allow the necessary inspection equipment to reach over and under the bridge and the Skyway Vertical Net to continue bridge inspections.
The Skyway Vertical Net will be a vertical barrier placed on the outside barrier wall of the bridge. Construction is expected to finish in the summer of 2021.
Last Updated: 06/28/2021