Resolution 090-2004
Commissioner Neugent
RESOLUTION NO. 090 -2004
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
THE OLD SEVEN MILE BRIDGE TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN AND
REQUESTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
EXPEDITE THE WORK
WHEREAS, the old 7-mile Bridge (between Marathon and Pigeon Key) is the only
roadway to Pigeon Key. The limited use of the Bridge creates several undue hardships on
Pigeon Key, for example; the delivery of necessary supplies and the creation of a
dangerous situation by restricting the access to Pigeon Key for fire and medical vehicles;
and
WHEREAS, the Bridge has been historically used as a route to special events held
on Pigeon Key as well as a viewing platform for events held in the vicinity of the bridge.
These said events contribute to the economic well being of the City's tourist economy;
and
WHEREAS, Pigeon Key, a historical landmark, has been regularly used as a site for
special events as well as a marine study center, this site contributes to the economic well-
being of the Keys' tourist economy; and
WHEREAS, the old 7-Mile Bridge is enjoyed by thousands of visitors and locals for
sight seeing, walking, bicycling, fishing, sunset watdhing and other similar activities.
People using the old 7-mile bridge are entitled to a safe platform from which to conduct
those activities; and
WHEREAS, this portion of the old 7-Mile Bride is the only portion of the original
Flagler Railway that stands largely in its historical condition and is also useable by the
public. The old 7-Mile Bridge is on the National Historic! Register and should be preserved
in its historic condition for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, the people of the City of Marathon desire to have the repair of this
structure completed as soon as possible to minimize inconvenience and danger; now,
therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA:
Section 1
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners requests that the FDOT
take immediate steps to restore the old portion of the 7-Mile Bridge from Marathon to
Pigeon Key to a safe condition as close to its origina~ design as a highway bridge as is
reasonably practical.
Section 2
The Monroe County Board of Comn)lissioners further requests that the
FDOT take all steps necessary to expedite this project Clnd bring it to completion as fast as
possible.
Section 3 The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners requests that an
electric power line be added via the old 7-Mile Bridge ~o enhance the economic health of
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this historic site and the safety of its visitors.
Section 4 This resolution shall be transmitted to the FDOT secretary in Tallahassee
and copied to the District Six secretary. ......,
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Icommissioners of i\o~e~ou~y,
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Florida, at the regular meeting of said Board held on th118th of February, ~~ i.., ~
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BOA~D OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
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Florida Department of Transportation
JEB BUSH
GOVERNOR
Office of the District Secretary
District Six
1000 NW 111 th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33172
(305) 470-5197
JOSt<: ABREU
SECRETARY
April 5, 2004
Mr. Danny L. Kolhage, Clerk
Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Board of County Commissioners
3 117 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
Dear Mr. Kolhage:
We are in receipt of your correspondence dated March 3,2004 in reference to the Board
of County Commissioners' adopted Resolution No. 090-2004, supporting the
reconstruction of the Old Seven Mile Bridge (between Marathon and Pigeon Key) and
requesting that the Florida Department of Transportation (Department) expedite this
project. We are also aware of similar resolutions passed by the City of Marathon and
Monroe County supporting the project. Due to the severely deteriorated condition of the
structure, FDOT is doing everything possible to accelerate the project to the construction
phase.
The current project schedule calls for completion of the PD&E Study in late 2004,
followed by the environmental permitting phase, then design and construction. It is
anticipated that construction will begin in late 2005, assuming all approvals and
necessary permits are obtained. Note that the Department has increased the funding
programmed for construction to $16 million.
As noted during the September 2003 public kickoff meeting, the Department is required
to conduct an in-depth Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study, due to
the environmental sensitivity of the project area as well as the Bridge's historical
significance. Maintaining access to Pigeon Key during construction, minimizing
environmental impacts, and consideration of adverse effects on the historic Old Seven
Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key Historic District are major factors in this Study. As part of
this Study, approvals must be obtained from various environmental agencies, the Florida
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Federal Highway Administration.
A detailed structural inspection in December 2003 confirmed the bridge superstructure's
(i.e., excluding the piers) deficient structural condition. Based on detailed information
obtained from this inspection, the Department is now refining cost estimates for different
study alternatives (e.g., repair or replacement of the superstructure) for further
www.dot.state.fl.us
@ RECYCLED PAPER
Mr. Danny L. Kolhage
April 5, 2004
Page 2
consideration. After the final alternatives are determined, the Department will meet with
the SHPO to review the effects of the different alternatives on both the Bridge and
Historic District. Subsequently, the Department will hold an alternatives public
workshop, finalize all required documentation, and then hold the public hearing on the
recommended alternative.
Coordination with Monroe County, the City of Marathon and the Pigeon Key Foundation
has occurred regarding requests for improvements to the bridge, and providing electricity
to Pigeon Key appears to be feasible. Please know that the Department is making every
effort to expedite the project schedule.
Should you have questions in this regard, please contact Alice Bravo, P.E. at 305-470-
5200, Project Manager, or me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
~'1~
District Secretary
JM/cbo
cc: Jose Abreu, P.E., Secretary - Florida Department of Transportation
Javier Rodriguez, P.E. - Florida Department of Transportation
Alice Bravo, P.E. - Florida Department of Transportation