JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District reached a major milestone for the Tamiami Trail Modifications project was reached shortly after midnight July 13, 2012 as the first concrete pour on the bridge deck was completed.
"This is a major milestone for the team as it signifies the start toward the end of the project's bridge construction," said Tim Brown, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District project manager.
The completion of the first concrete pour signifies the first piece of the road base being filled in on the one-mile bridge. A bridge, that once completed, will allow increased water flows into Everglades National Park.
"This is indeed a major milestone," said Dave Sikkema, Everglades National Park project manager. "Everglades National Park appreciates all of the effort that has been made to reach this point."
Construction of the $81 million Tamiami Trail project, a key component of the Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades Nation Park, began in 2010. The project includes constructing a one-mile bridge and raising and reinforcing an additional 9.7 miles of road, allowing increased water flows that are essential to the health and viability of the Everglades.
"As we applaud this milestone it is clear that we've come a long way since November 2009," said Brown. "However, there is still more work to do and it is our collective discipline that will ensure our project's success."