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Veterans Memorial Bridge construction begins June 6

The detour during the 32-month project will be the International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92) Bridge.

Volusia County will begin construction June 6 of the new Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge, commonly known as the Orange Avenue Bridge, in Daytona Beach. The new high-level, multi-arch concrete bridge will replace the existing drawbridge, which is more than 50 years old.

Beginning June 6, Orange Avenue/Silver Beach Avenue, including the bridge, will be closed from Peninsula Drive to immediately east of the traffic signal at City Island Parkway for the 32-month project. The Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau building, Volusia County Courthouse Annex, Jackie Robinson Ballpark and all other facilities on City Island will remain accessible throughout the project.   

Motorists headed to and from the beachside should use the International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92) Bridge. A well-signed detour will remain in place until the new bridge opens.

The $38 million construction contract will be funded by the federal government and is being completed by Johnson Bros. Corp. Design elements of the new two-lane bridge include handicap accessibility, 8-foot sidewalks, fishing piers on both sides of the Halifax River, and plaques at 28 scenic overlooks commemorating conflicts in America’s military history. The plaques will include descriptions of conflicts and outcomes; the number of killed, wounded and missing in action; a QR code linked to additional data; and a Braille plate with information.

The initial phase of construction, which will take three to four months, includes the demolition of the existing bridge. As early as August the laying of the foundation, which involves the driving of 225 concrete pilings (some measuring 30-inches square and 100-feet long) into the riverbed, is expected to begin and continue for approximately 10 months. Noise and vibration from the pile driving can be expected. Pile driving will occur from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend work may be done upon request and approval by the county.

The following project website has been established to offer information and construction progress pictures. Visit http://www.veteransmemorialbridge.com. For more information call Volusia County Engineering and Construction at 386-736-5937. Ask for Gerald Brinton, P.E., Volusia County Engineer.

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