The existing Indian River Inlet bridge on SR-1 currently carries vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles between the north and south sides of the inlet along SR-1. Because the construction of a new bridge will take several years, it is important that each of these modes of transportation be maintained with minimal disruption. In order to accomplish this project goal, the construction of the proposed bridge will occur further inland, less than a hundred feet west of the existing bridge structure in order to minimize impacts to wetlands. This requires that the roadway approaches temporarily be shifted further to the east to allow for construction of the new bridge and approaches to the west without causing significant impacts to vehicular traffic.

In order to "clear the way" for the new bridge construction, a contract has been developed, advertised and awarded for construction of this roadway work. Also included is the reconstruction of the local access roads north and south of the inlet, relocation of existing utilities, construction of wetland mitigation areas, construction of terrapin nesting areas, and construction of the roadway approaches to the new bridge. Design for these activities was completed in 2004. The roadway contract was advertised, bid and awarded for construction early in 2005. Actual roadway construction was started in the summer of 2005 and is on-going.

Additional updates and notices may be found under Roadway Approaches - Construction Phase.