HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarber St Bridge InspectionRECEIVED OCT 2 4 1985
City of Sebastian
Jim Gallagher POST OFFICE BOX 127 ❑ SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958-0127
Mayor TELEPHONE (305) 589-5330
October 23, 1985
TO: MAYOR JIM GALLAGHER
FROM: HECTOR FRANCO
CITY ENGINEER
RE: Seawall Damage - Barber Street Bridge
City of Sebastian
Dear Mayor Gallagher:
Hector A. Franco
City Engineer
Upon an on site inspection to the Barber St. Bridge, located
between Concha and Joyhaven Streets, I have the following comments.
This bridge is part of the main road system of the city. Barber
is a very important street and generates both light and heavy traffic
especially at some peak hours. The bridge itself serves to get across
one of Sebastian's biggest canals, named Elkcam Waterway. Right now,
this waterway is blocked about 90% underneath the bridge, due to
vegetation, debris, algaes and sediments produced from erosion to the
lateral canal banks. This situation has generated a limited flow -in
the north side of the bridge of about 10% free flow. Because of this
limited flow, as the water level increased due to the last storm, 50%
of the fiberglass seawall that acts also as a retaining wall has collapsed.
Due to the increased velocity of the water in a reduced section area,
the bridge abutments and the bridge approaches have been damaged. The
earth fill for the approaches is running into the canal stream and a
concrete slab on top of this fill can collapse.
This is situa that I recommend needs immediate attention.
When the bri ge was desigled, it was based on specific impact load.
The heavy tr cks used today n produce a failure in the structure, if
corrective me sures are not taken. The city can be liable, if an
accident occur due to improper maintenance and repair of this public road.
r
ctor Franco
ty Engineer
HF: Ik