Marina opposition could delay construction of Flagler bridge

The Palm Harbor Marina is protesting the Florida Department of Transportation’s planned location for a new Flagler Memorial Bridge and could delay construction by 20 months.

The Palm Beach Post reported that the marina opposes DOT’s plan to shift the new bridge south because it would be situated too close to its northernmost dock. As a result the DOT has struggled to obtain the required permits to start construction, already stalling groundbreaking for the last two months. The marina, which operates under a long-term lease with the city of West Palm Beach, said it needs 150 feet from the new bridge to the dock to maintain two-way boat traffic, but under the current plan there would be just 105 feet.

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If the DOT acquiesces to the marina’s demands, it would not be able to go through with its current plan to build half the new bridge, open it to traffic, and then demolish the current, 76-year-old structure and replace it with a wider span. Instead, a $20 million temporary bridge would be required to connect the town of Palm Beach with mainland Florida, the Post said. But if the DOT doesn’t comply, the marina has threatened to sue for damages. [Palm Beach Post]