On Thursday, March 3 at 9:30 P.M. George Bush Bascule Bridge, built in 1949, experienced a significant malfunction during an opening. The spans were raised; however, they were unable to close, and remained in the open position. Maintenance staff was notified, responded, and worked through the night, determining the cause of the malfunction to be damage to the original machinery, more specifically, a main shaft and gear section of the drive system.
Further investigation has determined that the shaft sheared in two pieces. A new replacement shaft was fabricated on 3/11/22 and tested with the existing gear. A subsequent site inspection by a structural engineering consulting firm (with bascule bridge experience and expertise) revealed the need to replace other drive shaft machinery components (including a damaged bearing) and for further testing of the remaining machinery in both spans.
The fabrication of a new replacement bearing will take approximately six weeks, but may take longer depending on the availability of material. The testing of the remaining machinery is ongoing and may require additional replacements and time. The bridge will remain open to boat traffic and closed to vehicular traffic.
The county is coordinating all bridge repair work with the Florida Department of Transportation. The bridge reopening will occur once the repairs are completed and we have concurrence from the Florida Department of Transportation and the structural engineering consulting firm.
Original source can be found here.
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