On May 12, 2020 Pasco County engineering staff notified the City that the existing Grand Boulevard Bridge was expected to be replaced in fiscal year 2022/2023 as a result of a FDOT failed inspection report identifying the bridge as structurally deficient. The bridge structure was constructed in 1957 as a 150 feet long pile-supported five-span prestressed concrete slab bridge. Included in Pasco County’s notification to the City, was their intent to replace the existing bridge with the same type of structure constructed to current FDOT standards.
As City Council is aware, subsequent to Pasco County’s notification to the City, discussions were held between the two agencies. The main topic of discussion was the City’s request to elevate the new bridge and design of the top side to incorporate City design standards for the proposed Multi-Use Path along Grand Blvd. City staff informed County staff that the proposed bridge elevation needed to be at a minimum, the same height as the Main Street Bridge. As a result, survey work was performed by the County’s consultant and it was determined that the proposed bridge could be constructed at a height one foot higher than the Main Street Bridge or a five foot (5’) increase in the elevation of the bridge. The design cost to elevate the bridge was submitted to the City by the County in the amount of $100,000 and the estimated construction cost for the elevation estimated at $952,621 or one million dollars rounded up. Attached for City Council’s reference are the consultant’s project cost and description page, the construction cost estimate, preliminary plan sheets, and typical section sheet.
As discussions continued between City staff and County staff, it was agreed that two interlocal agreements should be developed. One for project design and the other for bidding and construction phases. The attached design interlocal agreement identifies the County as the lead agency. It calls out for the City to make a $50,000 payment to the County within 30 days of the award of the design and permitting contract for the project which is expected to be in August of 2021, and a final payment of $50,000 more or less within 30 days of the completion of the design plans which are expected to be completed in 2022. All of the terms and conditions of inter-local agreement have been reviewed by the City Attorney to minimize the City’s liability and exposure.