The New Bridge

The new Hathaway Bridge is actually two bridges, which will both carry three lanes of traffic, one auxiliary lane and one pedestrian/bicycle lane in a single direction. The new bridges will be built just north of the existing bridge and within existing state right-of-way. No additional property will be required for the new bridges, and environmental impacts will be minimal.

Construction of the bridges is now underway, with the northernmost span scheduled to be opened to traffic in Winter 2002 or Spring 2003. See the Construction Timetable for a complete description of project milestones.

A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

New Bridge (Figure A)

• Two separate bridges, each consisting of an 80-foot wide bridge deck
• Four 12-foot wide lanes of traffic in each direction
• 10-foot inside and outside shoulders
• 8-foot lane for pedestrian/bicycle traffic on the outer edge, separated from traffic by a concrete "Jersey style" barrier
• One lane in each direction to be used as a auxiliary lane, providing a "refuge lane" for disabled vehicles
• Total Bridge Length: approximately 3800 feet
• Vertical Navigational Clearance: 65 feet (meets minimum navigational height for the Intercoastal Waterway)

Existing Bridge (Figure B)

• A single 62-foot wide bridge deck, carrying four 13-foot wide lanes of traffic (two in each direction)
• Three-foot outside shoulders and a four-foot wide center median with a raised curb, steel guard rails and "blinders"
• No pedestrian access, no dedicated bicycle access
• No "refuge lane" for disabled vehicles
• Total Bridge Length: 3360 feet with 330-foot main span
• Vertical Navigational Clearance: 49.8 feet