FDOT plans for new Wilson Pigott Bridge

The Wilson Pigott Bridge has just reopened after emergency repairs, but the Florida Department of Transportation is working to replace the old drawbridge with a new bridge.

The new bridge will be built east of the current bridge. Construction will start in 2028 and take 4.5 to 5 years, according to FDOT.

The current bridge will remain open during construction. The new bridge will be 55 feet tall and have six lanes.

There will also be a pedestrian and biker lane that attaches to the state's SUNTrail Network. Other FDOT improvement projects are happening to State Road 31 and Bayshore Road.

Changes will be made to the intersection where Palm Beach Boulevard connects to State Road 31 to reduce traffic. FDOT says the Wilson Pigott Bridge has consistent problems and reached the end of its design life.

Neighbors in the area are ready for a change. The community has been asking for a new and safer bridge for years.

"This bridge here, like the traffic is backed up from miles. There's so many trucks on it. It just unbelievable the traffic and the delays," Gary Franklin said.

The temporary closure impacted commuters and their ability to go to favorite local spots. Ron Frye said the bridge closure forced him to drive 45 minutes for dinner.

"It's a big inconvenience, you know? It's nice to have this bridge here," Frye said.

Franklin said he and his wife are snowbirds who need to travel back and forth to the airport. The new bridge is part of the state's plan to expand Bayshore Road and upgrade the Wilson Pigott Bridge.

Those two projects will connect to the new Babcock Road, which is under construction. Franklin said traffic delays are a major issue.

"People are in a hurry. They're trying to get through. The bridge is slowing everybody down," Franklin said.

The new high fixed bridge will be six lanes, 55 feet tall and have room for bikers and pedestrians. With its height, the days of stopping for a sailboat will be over.

"It should have been done before. All these houses come in, infrastructure should have been there first and then all these houses," Frye said.

The grid decks that were just placed on the bridge have a 25-year life span or longer. When the new bridge opens, the steel grids will be removed and used for a different project, and the old bridge will be taken down.