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Royal Park Bridge, Palm Beach, Florida: E.C. Driver prepared plans for the replacement of a historic double leaf bascule bridge and approach spans. The original Royal Park Bridge was built in 1924. A second parallel structure was constructed in 1959. The original bridge was instrumental in the development of the town of Palm Beach and was declared a local landmark by the town. The bridge was also eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. A bridge inspection in 1998 revealed that marine wood borers had eaten into the submerged wooden pilings supporting the older bridge. The severe deterioration forced the closure of the span to vehicular traffic. ECDA prepared a contract plans package for the demolition of the existing bridge and developed a design-build package for the construction of a four-lane temporary bascule bridge. The temporary bridge was opened to traffic in 2000 and carried traffic over the Intracoastal Waterway until the new bridge was completed. The variable depth structure replicates the arched forms of the original historic bridge. Also, the span lengths of the approach spans vary with bridge height to maintain arch proportions similar to the original bridge. The results are an aesthetically pleasing three span unit on the east approach and a five span unit on the west approach. Architectural considerations were integrated into the control house and the bridge colors and finishes. A river walk was also incorporated beneath the east approach spans.
Client: Florida DOT, District Four
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