that detours via US 41 Business (Green Bridge) instead of US 41 and the DeSoto Bridge could result in additional travel times ranging from approximately 12 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.
The construction of the northbound half of the DeSoto Bridge will start independently from the existing bridge, with a shift of approximately 44 feet to the east. This adjustment creates a 10-foot space between the new northbound section and the existing bridge, allowing traffic to flow normally on the existing bridge and roadway while the new bridge is built without any disruption. Once the northbound half is completed, temporary striping will be applied to provide four lanes — two in each direction — enabling traffic to move to the new bridge. Subsequently, the old DeSoto Bridge will be dismantled, and the southbound half of the new bridge will be constructed and connected to the northbound section.
It is anticipated that top-down construction techniques will be utilized for the elevated viaduct structure in order to minimize the total width of the required median work zones. Traffic can be shifted as necessary away from the median area while maintaining the flow of traffic.
Traffic shifts and temporary pavement, with overbuild, will be utilized to construct and maintain landside traffic patterns. Construction of the shared use paths and sidewalks will be incorporated in the phasing plans.
Phase I: Keep traffic on existing lanes while widening US 41 to the outside from the at-grade CSX railway to south of DeSoto bridge and also from north of DeSoto bridge the project end at structure #130009.
Phase II: Shift at-grade traffic to the outside and adjust medians to the viaduct piers.
Phase III: Construct the managed lane viaduct.
Phase IV: Complete the final roadway fiction course and apply permanent pavement markings.
Construction of the Build Alternative is expected to have moderate impacts related to property access. Construction is not anticipated to adversely impact listed species so long as adherence to project commitments, construction precautions, and conservation measures is maintained. Also, construction is not expected to have any significant impact on water quality, noise, or air quality. The project will adhere to the FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, along with implementing a Stormwater Runoff Control Concept and Best Management Practices to minimize or eliminate potential construction impacts.
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