More devices coming to bridges, so don't panic, officials say

By TBO.com
Published: April 30, 2009
Updated: April 30, 2009 - 10:17 PM

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The Florida Department of Transportation is giving a heads-up to law enforcement officials and motorists about devices its engineers are placing on Tampa Bay area bridges: the machines are used to measure saltwater levels and pose no threat.

At least one of those devices, which authorities said initially appeared suspicious, caused the Florida Highway Patrol to shut down both lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge on Thursday afternoon. A bomb squad from the Tampa Police Department was sent out on a boat to examine it.

Authorities' accounts differ on what the device actually is. Police say the machine is used to detect vibrations. DOT spokeswoman Kristen Carson said she was told by engineers the device checks for corrosion and monitors saltwater levels.

Whatever the gizmos do, DOT plans to install several more on the Gandy Bridge and the Sunshine Skyway soon, Carson said.

The device on the Howard Frankland was put there a couple of days ago, she said.