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Tag: repairs

Floating dock temporarily closed

Floating dock temporarily closed

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The new floating day dock was closed on Friday, Oct. 4, and will remain closed until repairs are made to the gangway that provides access to the historic Bridge Street Pier.

According to Public Works Director Tom Woodard, Mayor John Chappie ordered the dock closed on Friday due to concerns about the connection points between the metal gangway and the floating dock.

“My guys noticed the connection was weak,” Woodard said.

Woodard notified Police Chief and pier team facilitator Sam Speciale about the safety concerns. Speciale then contacted the Hecker Construction Company, the firm that recently installed the pre-manufactured dock sections.

“We were told by Hecker the connection was not part of the installation contract and they connected it the best they could,” Woodard said.

“The gangway is pulling away from the pier and is not safe, so I called Delta Engineering to come evaluate it and engineer the proper connection. They found deficiencies and felt it should be closed until it is properly installed,” Woodard said.

“I should have the plan by Tuesday (Oct. 8) and we will get it fixed as soon as possible. This is a priority because that dock was closed long enough,” Woodard said.

Woodard was referencing the lengthy delays that plagued the two-year dock replacement project completed in early August.

Safety railings

Unrelated to the newly-discovered connection concerns, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently authorized a $2,295 expenditure for the installation of safety railings and dock ladders on the new dock.

Floating dock temporarily closed
Safety railings will soon be added to the landing area where the gangway connects to the dock. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

After the repairs are made to the gangway connection, safety railings will soon be installed around the landing area where the gangway connects to the dock. The railings will prevent someone using a wheelchair, baby stroller or other wheeled device on the sloped ramp from overshooting the landing and falling in the water.

Safety railings will only be installed on that portion of the dock and will not line the entire dock. Two dock ladders will also be installed.

City Pier repairs temporarily delayed

City Pier repairs temporarily delayed

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – A damaged boom line on i+iconSoutheast’s barge-mounted crane has delayed the repairs to the new Anna Maria City Pier.

The repairs are required in the wake of the construction company barge crashing into the pier walkway on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

On Friday, Sept 20, i+iconSoutheast Project Director Paul Johnson informed Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy of the latest delay.

“During the crane inspection a damaged section of boom line was discovered. The crane and barge will be demobilized to have new boom line installed on Saturday at an offsite location with the goal of getting back to Anna Maria on Monday. We will then continue with the repairs,” Johnson stated in his email to Murphy.

On Sept. 16, Murphy emailed city commissioners a copy of the preliminary report submitted by the scuba team that conducted an underwater inspection of the damage caused by the barge accident. Murphy’s email noted the divers’ report indicated the underwater damage was limited to the two pier pilings previously identified.

The damaged pilings were removed on Thursday, Sept. 19. The new pilings will be installed after the crane repairs are completed and the crane is back in place. Murphy said once the new pilings are driven, the damaged support beam, stringers and utility conduits can then be replaced.

City Pier repairs temporarily delayed
These damaged pier pilings were removed on Thursday, Sept. 19. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted

Murphy said Mason Martin Builders’ construction of the new restaurant, bait shop and restrooms at the pier’s T-end remains on hold until the breech in the pier walkway is repaired.

Murphy said he and Mason Martin Builders’ owner Frank Agnelli agree that it would not be safe to have his employees working out on the T-end without the pier walkway being fully accessible in the event of an injury or emergency.

“Every day that ticks along is delaying the grand opening,” Murphy said of the anticipated pier opening in early 2020.