Project Status / FAQ

Project Details:

Pinellas County is conducting a Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study for the rehabilitation or replacement of the existing San Martin Blvd. Bridge which goes over Riviera Bay. The limits of the bridge study are from Tallahassee Drive to Weedon Drive in St. Petersburg, Florida. A second component of the project will evaluate trail enhancements from Macoma Drive to Gandy Boulevard.

What is the Purpose of the Study?

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the environmental, engineering, and social impacts for the rehabilitation or replacement of San Martin Bridge. Various roadway improvements, bridge types, and bridge locations will be evaluated including left, center, or right of the existing bridge. The study will focus on three alternatives for the bridge including:

No Build
Rehabilitation of the Existing Bridge
Replacement of a New Fixed Bridge

*A movable option will be evaluated for cost comparison only.

The trail enhancement component of the study will evaluate the opportunities to connect the North Bay Trail, which currently ends at Macoma Drive, with the Friendship Trail at Gandy Boulevard. Safe crossing locations will also be identified during the evaluation process. This study is expected to take approximately 18 months.

Why is the Project Needed?

The study of San Martin Bridge is needed in order to address the deficiencies of the existing bridge. The bridge was constructed in 1962 and is nearing the end of its service life. The existing bridge does not meet current design standards and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Vertical profile alternatives will be evaluated for increasing the clearance at the bridge crossing. The trail enhancements have been identified as priorities in the City of St. Petersburg’s Trail Program, Pinellas County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s North Bay Trail/Rio Vista Trail connection priority in the Long Range Transportation Plan.

This study is being undertaken in accordance with the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The NEPA process will allow the County the opportunitiy to apply for federal grant funding.