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Treasure Island bridge open, broken part to be replaced next week

 
Published Feb. 25, 2013

TREASURE ISLAND — Transportation officials aren't sure what caused a cylinder to break in the Treasure Island drawbridge this weekend, which resulted in the bridge getting stuck in the up position.

The 7-year-old bridge's eastern side wouldn't lower completely on Saturday, which kept traffic at a standstill.

"These cylinders should last 20, 25 years," said Hal Bruce, the Treasure Island transportation director. "What happened, we don't know. This should not have happened."

Officials took out the broken part, Bruce said, and found metal shavings in the machine. A working part is expected to be installed in the bridge in about seven days, he said.

He said he isn't sure how much it will cost to fix or replace the part. The cylinder cost $35,000 to purchase new.

"It's not an inexpensive fix," he said, "but it's something that we have to do."

Right now, cars can pass over the bridge as usual, and boats can get through on the drawbridge's western side, Bruce said.

He estimated 20,000 vehicles drive over the bridge a day.