Update on the Collapsed Earman River Bridge

 A WPTV news report on the bridge collapse from 2017

Have you wondered what's going on with the Earman River bridge on US 1? It's been over a year since a sidewalk collapse resulted in a US 1 lane reduction by Frigate's. Thanks to Ed Cunningham, Communications Manager for the Village of North Palm Beach, we got this update, courtesy of North Palm's Public Works Dept.:

"In October 2017, a portion of the US1 Bridge sidewalk collapsed into the Earman River. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) removed the remaining sections of the sidewalk and reduced the bridge from six to four lanes in order to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. Currently, traffic studies are being done to assess traffic flow and gather data on the two or three lane options.

"FDOT has the bridge replacement project scheduled for 2023. The Village will be collaborating with FDOT on the bridge design and is working to create an opportunity to contribute to the civic architecture and provide opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists to view the Earman River.

"It is important to note that this area in the Village is identified for potential redevelopment in the Citizens’ Master Plan. The bridge design should complement the pedestrian scale development along the Earman River, including the opportunity to cross from one side of US1 to the other underneath the bridge (although clearance will be an issue to address) in order to maximize access along the south side of the canal.

"The Village will be formally considering approval of a contract with Gentile Glas Holloway O’Mahoney & Associates, Inc (2GHO) at the January 10, 2019 Village Council meeting. 2GHO will be working with the Village to identify design features that should be included in the new bridge through a public engagement process and working with the FDOT team. 

"2GHO’s work on the US1 Bridge will dovetail with efforts on Palm Beach County’s Prosperity Farms Road Bridge Replacement Project. (Design of the bridge by the County is expected in the summer of 2019 with the replacement project currently scheduled for 2021.) Designs and public engagement processes will occur concurrently to make efficient use of the consultant’s time (and minimize costs), encourage greater public participation and encourage design themes on both bridges that will be unique to North Palm Beach.

There are a lot of moving pieces on this bridge project and a decision on two or three lanes is a long way off. However, the public engagement process should be started soon."

The public is encouraged to participate in this process going forward, and North Palm wants to hear your thoughts.  We'll be sure and pass along updates and times/dates for public input as we have them.
 -- Gerry Barker, North Palm Beach Life Editor