Belleair Beach Bridge open to traffic, but a few amenities yet to come

Belleair Beach

Bridge is open, but amenities yet to come

Construction crews are gone, traffic is flowing and, as of this morning, pedestrians are crossing the new $72.3 million Belleair Beach Bridge that soars above the Intracoastal Waterway.

Eight-foot sidewalks on either side of the 74-foot-high fixed-span bridge provide "spectacular" views of the waterway, beach and Gulf of Mexico, according to project manager Tony Horrnik.

The only part of the project still incomplete is installation of amenities in the boat ramp park. Horrnik said the park, which also includes a dog beach area and a fishing pier, should be open early next week.

The bridge project started in March 2007 and was financed by federal funds and Penny for Pinellas sales tax revenues.

During construction, main sections of the bridge were built off-site and then lifted and put into place using large cranes and hydraulics.

Earlier this year, the bridge was listed as one of North America's top 10 bridge projects in 2009 by Roads and Bridges magazine.

St. Petersburg

Historic Kenwood to hold mural contest

The Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association is accepting submissions for its mural contest to celebrate its seventh annual "Founder's Day." The winner will receive $500 and the chance to bring the design to life on a neighborhood wall that is 20 feet high and 40 feet wide. For more information, visit historickenwood.org or call Michael Miller at (727) 460-6550.