Bayou Bridge deconstruction will take two weeks

The actual removal of the Bayou Bridge began this week on behalf of the Gasparilla Island Water Association.

A barge and crane operation from Kelly Brothers was out on the water, as staff was beginning to take off the rails of the bridge on top of the structure. It will be completely disassembled and reused elsewhere.

The bridge has been necessary during the construction of a new Advanced Water Treatment system for the utility. It was used to bring in the new treatment systems, and to remove old tanks and equipment.

The existence of the bridge makes the Bayou impassible for even small vessels; the actual golf cart bridge to the Gasparilla Inn’s course is high. 

In the past, bridge sidings on each bank were preserved, so that the bridge could go back in. But the permits for the bridge have expired, and the entire system needs to be removed, according to GIWA Executive Director Ron Bolton. 

The entire process will take about two weeks; the absolute final deadline is Nov. 26.

Below, two views of the bridge deconstruction. It has been a temporary bridge that could be installed and removed seasonally. After November it will permanently disappear. Photos by Garland