The Orange Avenue Bridge over the Halifax River in Daytona Beach, was an existing draw bridge that is being replaced with a high rise, concrete arch bridge. The project extends from West of City Island Parkway to South Peninsula Drive. This project also consists of a new memorial plaza, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, fishing piers, lighting, and landscaping. Construction began in the summer of 2016 and last for 32 months. All walkways are ADA accessible including the 8’ wide sidewalks across both sides of the bridge. There will be an electric wheelchair charging station.
A Project Advisory Committee (PAC) was established for this project as a result of a commitment made during the PD&E (Project Development & Environment) study. The committee meetings were open to the public and all materials presented below. The committee discussed features for this project including the type of high rise bridge, style of the concrete arches, fishing pier layouts, memorial plaza design, bridge pier styles, overlook styles, bridge lighting, and more.
PAC Meetings
Meeting Summary: #1
Meeting #1 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #2
Meeting #2 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #3
Meeting #3 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #4
Meeting #4 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #5
Meeting #5 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #6
Meeting #6 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #7
Meeting #7 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #8
(NO PRESENTATION)
Meeting Summary: #9
(NO PRESENTATION)
Meeting Summary: #10
Meeting #10 Presentation – Coquina Stone
Meeting #10 Presentation – Options
Meeting #10 Presentation – Railings
Meeting Summary: #11
Meeting #11 Presentation
Meeting Summary: #12
(NO PRESENTATION)
A subcommittee of the project advisory committee (PAC) was created, and it consisted of veterans to help aid in the selection of what types of memorials and information should be displayed in the memorial plaza area. There were three major designs presented to the subcommittee and the full committee, and it was the committee’s preference to go with the combined design which includes an amphitheater feeling with a “spine” down the main aisle. This compromise gave way to the beautiful memorial plaza design which will honor veterans from Volusia County as well as all branches of the military and various wars. There will also be a memorial for Mr. Tom Staed in the entryway to the plaza.
History of Veteran’s Memorial Bridge
Two public meetings were held to educate the public of the history of the project and of the progress of the design phase. At these meetings the public was given status updates about the project itself, including: PAC decisions regarding design options and amenities and memorials to the veterans. Please see more detailed meeting materials below.