January 20, 2010 8:34 PM
Angel McCurdy, Florida Freedom Newspapers
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH — A stretch of Walton County Road 30A should soon become safer for pedestrians, as construction of the Big Redfish Lake pedestrian bridge begins.
Work is set to start Monday and last 120 days, said Nolan Baker, project manager for CDG Engineers & Associates.
The bridge will be within CR 30A’s right of way in Blue Mountain Beach. The bride is part of the multi-use path that is used by thousands of cyclists, skaters runners and walkers during the season.
“Basically, the Big Redfish Lake bridge goes against (CR) 30A,” Baker said. “It’s going to make walking a lot safer for pedestrians.”
The center of the crossing will be made up of two weathered, 8-foot-wide steel pedestrian bridges. Eight-foot-wide timber boardwalks will be used for the approaches to the steel span, Baker said.
The work will cause some temporary lane closures on CR 30A). Any anticipated closures will be publicized beforehand.
Ryan Douglas, Walton County’s construction engineer manager for public works, said the project has been planned for years.
“We’re just excited about moving along with the project,” Douglas said. “Currently, pedestrians are forced to walk out right next to the roadway with no barrier.”
