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Backers To Discuss Ways To Save Friendship TrailBridge

Tribune file photo by JULIE BUSCH

The Friendship Trail & Bridge goes 2.6 miles over the old westbound span of the Gandy Bridge linking Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

Published: December 17, 2008

TAMPA - Hoping to find ways of saving the bridge and spread word of their cause, Tampa Bay's Friends of the Friendship Trail & Bridge will meet Thursday.

"We will review the past, present and future of the bridge," said community activist Neil Cosentino. "Little people can do big things."

Part of the Friendship TrailBridge was closed in early November because inspectors found some of its concrete beams were disintegrating and falling into Tampa Bay.

Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, which rallied to save the east-west connector about a decade ago, are feeling a sense ofdéjà vu.

"Financially, it's going to be difficult, but emotionally, I feel there are enough people in South Tampa interested who will fight for it," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita.

"People have put a lot of sweat equity into that bridge. This is something that would absolutely be a loss to this community."

A report by engineers is expected to be completed before the end of the month, said Steve Valdez, a spokesman for Hillsborough's Public Works Department.

"We included the options of what we could do and the estimated cost for each," Valdez said.

The report will be presented to the Hillsborough and Pinellas county commissions, which will provide direction on the bridge's future.

Each year, about half a million cyclists, rollerbladers, walkers and fishermen used the bridge, which runs 2.6 miles alongside the Gandy Bridge and its vehicle traffic.

Valdez said options include replacement of the bridge, partial repair and demolition.

"The one option we don't have is to do nothing," he said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Tampa Bay's Friends of the Friendship Trail & Bridge meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Jan Platt Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave.

INFORMATION: Neil Cosentino, (813) 251-4669 or CamelotFlorida@verizon.net

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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