FDOT recently moved the bridge project forward on its agenda after completing a Dupont Bridge study that determined it should be replaced even though it was still structurally sound. The bridge is structurally sound, however to maintain that bridge, the cost-feasibility to replace the bridge versus to maintaining it, the value is higher, said Ian Satter, public information director for FDOT s District Three.
Satter said that it s better fiscally to build a new bridge that will last 75 to 100 years, rather than keep maintaining the Dupont Bridge. The maintenance cost for the Dupont Bridge has reached levels that don t make sense financially.