Sunday, Sep. 28, 2008

Island braces for 45-day bridge closure

The dreaded day for Anna Maria Island arrives Monday.

Really, it is expected to be a dreaded 45 days.

That's 45 days of no vehicles on Anna Maria Island Bridge.

No pedestrians or cyclists either for 45 days, and limited drawbridge access for boaters.

Yes, for the next 45 days the Cortez Bridge will be the main thoroughfare to the island for those who don't travel to the island by way of Longboat Key.

All of this will be 45 days, if remaining construction on the $10.1 million rehabilitation project goes accordingly.

Islanders remain cautiously optimistic about having one the main arteries to Anna Maria Island closed.

Much like bracing for a hurricane, islanders are bracing for the worst and hoping for the best.

The difference being people are still encouraged to head to the island, and there's been months of preparation by officials, residents and businesses.

Emergency services

Emergency response was among the major concerns for residents who attended bridge closure meetings hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation and PB Americas, contract managers for the bridge project.

Mark Edenfield, division chief of Manatee County Emergency Services, said about eight helicopters will be available for the Tampa Bay region during the bridge closure.

Patients who are airlifted will be transported to the closest state-approved trauma or stroke center.

Edenfield said in some cases Blake Medical Center will be an option to accept airlifted emergency cases.

"We're going to get you to a hospital, and if you need to get there in a hurry we're going to get you there in a hurry if we need to," Edenfield said. "Please rest assured we're doing everything we can to prepare."

And with hurricane season still in full swing until Nov. 30, there is concern for getting off the island in a hurry.

Greg Wilson, project administrator for PB Americas, said construction to the bridge will be concentrated on one side at a time to allow the bridge to open for a hurricane evacuation.

If a hurricane evacuation is in order, contractors Quinn Construction Inc. have confirmed they will be able to reopen one lane on the bridge with 24 hours notice.

Fire rescue

West Manatee Fire Rescue is adding more personnel and fire trucks to the island.

Chief Andy Price said three firefighters will be temporarily transferred to Station No. 1 in Holmes Beach during the 45 days.

In addition, a second fire engine will be housed at the station for 24 hours, and a fire engine manned with staff will be stationed in Bradenton Beach for 12 hours each day.

"We're going to beef up our staffing at the island station during the closure," Price said. "When you close the main artery coming to the island you've got to have additional people here during that time period."

Transportation

Manatee County Area Transit will boost service from the mainland to Anna Maria Island by providing a free transfer route.

MCAT transit manager Ralf Heseler said the free transfer will start at Blake Medical Center on 59th Street West and connect passengers with a trolley stop at Coquina Beach.