Bridge closures on the horizon

The Anna Maria Islander newspaper reports this week a Florida Department of Transportation press release which states that AMI Bridge contractor Quinn Construction will close the bridge to vehicular traffic for several brief periods during the week of February 16-20.
The closures are to perform tests on the mechanical and electrical systems on the bridge and each closing is expected to last about as long as a typical bridge closing for a boat passing through the draw. The release advises pedestrians and bicyclists that the south sidewalk remains closed, but the north sidewalk is accessible.
Meanwhile, the $10.2million Anna Maria Island Bridge rehabilitation project is due to finish March 3, according to Florida Department of Transportation District One director of operations Ed Gonzalez.
If contractor Quinn Construction Co. of Palmetto completes the project by March 3, the company earns another $60,000 bonus, Gonzalez added.
And that will push the final price tag for the project toward $11 million, including about $600,000 in bonuses to Quinn, Gonzalez said.