FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Project Contact:  Kris Cella
Cella & Associates, Inc.
2125 First Street Suite 201
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Kcella@cella.cc
(239) 337-1071
(239) 337-1076 FAX

SANIBEL CAUSEWAY BRIDGES TO UNDERGO
WEIGHT AND STRESS LIMIT TESTS

Fort Myers, FL, February 28, 2003 - The Lee County Department of Transportation, in conjunction with their consultant PBS&J, Inc., will be installing sophisticated computerized weight sensor devices on the three Sanibel Causeway bridges to test and monitor weights of specific vehicles crossing the bridges. The weights or "load" of the heavy vehicles crossing the bridges will be automatically "fed" into computers that are programmed to measure, analyze and predict the amount of structural stress to the deck and piers of the bridges. Video monitoring will also be added to collaborate the load measurements. The installation of the equipment will begin Tuesday, March 4, 2003 and monitoring the weight of heavy vehicles will begin immediately. Using this advanced technology, the tests will give the DOT the ability to more accurately determine weight limits for the bridges to insure that the structural integrity of the bridges will not be compromised until they are replaced. The results of the tests may also provide information that may aid the DOT in fine-tuning their current monitoring and maintenance program for the bridges.

Most of the equipment will be installed from underneath the bridges by barge, however, there may be some occasions when there will be lane closures for calibration of the weight sensor equipment and during the testing periods. The public should heed any advanced warnings of these activities on the variable message signs and take necessary precautions when traveling the Causeway.

Any recommendations to change the truck access and weight limits will be made public when the initial tests are completed and the DOT has received the results. Monitoring of heavy vehicles traversing the Causeway bridges will continue until the bridges are replaced. The Lee DOT is committed to insuring the public's safety and has expedited the design and construction process to improve the roadway and replace the bridges and toll plaza for the Sanibel Causeway.