Section of old trestle to be removed in coming weeks

BY LIZA STROUT - There will be a flurry of activity centering around the old train trestle in coming weeks.

Charlotte County will be removing a 100’ section of the structure that is in danger of falling into the water, and shoring up other sections that have been damaged over the years. The work will not affect the public fishing piers in Placida and on Gasparilla Island.

The removal was discussed at a Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners on meeting on December 12 after an extensive survey of the trestle revealed that marine animals and time have damaged the pilings that support the trestle.

West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) will be providing $2500 from district coffers to fund the project, with the balance to come out of WCIND funds earmarked for Charlotte County.
Charlotte County Natural Resources Manager Andy Stevens asks that boaters use caution in the Pass while removal and repairs are underway and avoid the barges when they are in the area.