In 2007 City Council received an update on the status of island bridges, and based on this review concluded that the bridges on Marco Island are in need of repair or replacement. During this discussion City Council discussed the need for a design charrette to allow competing design firms to present design concepts for Council and public comment, with the expectation that out of this process a final firm and design will be selected by Council.
The request for design services was advertised in November 2007 and awarded by Council on January 29, 2008. City Council agreed that since all five of the bridge design firms had basically the same expertise in new bridge design, that to gain the most innovative and creative project a design charrette competition would be the ideal venue to produce five unique options for a new enhanced bridge over Smokehouse Bay. Five consulting firms were selected for Bridge Design Services, including TBE Group, Jenkins & Charland/TRC Worldwide Engineering, Volkert & Associates, T.Y. Lin International and H.W. Lochner, Inc.
The Smokehouse Bay Bridge will need to be replaced in FY2012/2013. The length of time between bridge concept development, design and permitting is approximately 3 years. FY09 funds were established for preliminary engineering and conceptual design. It was expected that the initial new bridge planning efforts would begin in FY09 and would involve development of alternative concepts to complement and maximize the architectural benefits from the surrounding private developments.
In January 2009, staff invited the five design firms to participate in the charrette competition and the results from this charrette will be presented to the City Council today. The five firms will be making their individual presentations to the Council to discuss their alternatives for each unique design. The four major features that the new bridges must address are:
- Pedestrian access under the Smokehouse Bay Bridge
- Access to Jane Hittler Park
- Access to Bay Walk
- Fishing Pier at Jane Hittler Park
The elements to be discussed should include a functional and aesthetically integrated pedestrian walkway along the water frontage to connect the Esplanade and the new Veterans Community Park, increased bridge height to allow for the pedestrian movement under the bridge, connections to Jane Hittler Park and the previously outlined architectural features of the bridge incorporating the design concepts from the Master Plan.
Staff is planning on having the community involved in the development of the final recommendation to City Council which is anticipated to occur at the September 21, 2009 City Council Meeting. Currently the following public Smokehouse Bay Bridge Conceptual Design Workshops are being planned:
- June 22, 2009 – Orion Bank – “In the Round”
- July 27, 2009 - City Council Vestibule
- August 24, 2009 - City Council Vestibule
- September 21, 2009 - City Council Meeting
In addition, each concept will be placed on the City web site providing the ability to our citizens to electronically share their thoughts. For citizens that are registered with the City, we will electronically communicate with them. Over the next five months, we hope to communicate with every Marco Island resident and receive feedback on the preferred bridge design.
WATCH THE PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FIVE CONSULTANTS:
To view the presentations click on the name of the consultant.
TBE Group, Jenkins & Charland/TRC Worldwide Engineering, Volkert & Associates, T.Y. Lin International and H.W. Lochner, Inc.
Here is an additional video to watch with presentations....-click here-
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT:
The initial design process is funded in the current fiscal year and FY10. Funding for the two Smokehouse Bay Bridges will come from a 2010 capital bond issue. Staff will pursue various grant sources to reduce the impact on the General Fund.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK:
Now that you have watched the videos and read more about the Smokehouse Bay Bridge, please take a moment to provide your feedback.
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