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Bridge Repair Costs Outlined

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com

Published: December 18, 2008

TAMPA - Preliminary estimates of how much it would cost to repair the partially closed Friendship Trail bridge range from $11 million to fix both ends of the structure to $82 million to knock down the existing bridge and build a new one.

The figures were released Wednesday at Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita's request. A final assessment of the bridge's condition and estimated repair costs is due in days, but Ferlita wanted preliminary cost estimates before a trail advocacy group meets tonight.

Friends of the Friendship Trail and Bridge will discuss the bridge's history, current status and future. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Jan Platt Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave.

The partial closing came in early November after inspectors found some of the structure's concrete beams had disintegrated and material had fallen into Tampa Bay. The bridge once was a span of the Gandy Bridge.

Each year about a half-million bicyclists, in-line skaters, walkers and fishermen use the Friendship Trail bridge, which extends 2.6 miles.

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

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