Subject:
Title
Bridge Investment Program grant application to the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Dunedin Causeway Main Channel Bridge in the City of Dunedin.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator to submit the Bridge Investment Program grant application to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Dunedin Causeway Main Channel Bridge in the City of Dunedin.
• Existing bridge has reduced capacity due to ongoing deterioration and is classified as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.
• Application deadline for submission was November 1, 2024; application was submitted on October 31, 2024.
• Legistar Item 24-1734A was approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on October 29, 2024. This item approved requested grant funding in the amount of is $79,088,000.00 (80%), with an anticipated non-federal match of $19,772,000.00 (20%).
• Funding for the County match is budgeted under the Dunedin Causeway Bridge Project (000423A) in the FY25-FY30 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan, funded by the Penny for Pinellas.
Authorize the County Administrator to approve Public Works Department to electronically submit the grant application.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.5 Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
Summary:
The Board, on October 29, 2024, authorized the County Administrator to submit the Grant Application for the replacement of the Dunedin Causeway in the City of Dunedin due to time constraints. The grant application was electronically submitted by the Public Works Department on November 1, 2024.
The existing bridge has become structurally deficient due to aging and does not meet current engineering standards for resisting damage from high waves during significant storms and vessel impact. Incidences of mechanical failure of the bascule bridge have affected both vehicular and boat traffic, and there have been some cases of vessel collisions with the bridge structure caused by such failures. Emergency services have reduced efficiency because of the limited right-of-way on the bridge. The substandard 6-foot-wide, multi-use path on the south side of the bridge is not able to accommodate the flow of pedestrians and cyclists safely or adequately over the bridge. The low-level bascule bridge provides 21 feet of vertical clearance in the closed position, which requires opening for most types of vessels.
The proposed new Dunedin Causeway Main Channel Bridge will meet all current design and safety standards, provide enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and eliminate the need for frequent repairs.
Background/Explanation:
The Dunedin Causeway Bridge constructed in 1963 is a low-level bascule bridge that spans the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and connects Ward Island to the Dunedin Causeway. Causeway Boulevard (inclusive of the Main Bridge) is a designated state and county evacuation route, providing the only link to the mainland for residents on Honeymoon Island and visitors to Honeymoon Island State Park.
A total of $9.7 billion were made available through the USDOT. Funding will be granted to selected projects that involve bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection. The deadline for the grant application to be submitted is November 1, 2024.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding for the County match is budgeted under the Dunedin Causeway Bridge Project (000423A) in the FY25-FY30 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan, funded by the Penny for Pinellas.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve submittal of the grant application was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on October 29, 2024 (24-1734A).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
USDOT
FHWA
FDOT
City of Dunedin
Attachments:
Application Package
Notice of Funding Opportunity
OMB Intent to Apply