The nearly century-old Blackburn Point Swing Bridge in Osprey is back in the spotlight. A new technical review commissioned by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation says rehabilitating the 1926 bridge could cost about $17 million through 2043. Sarasota County has estimated that replacing it would run $65 million to $75 million, not including possible road widening.
The review, prepared by Michigan-based Bach Ornamental & Structural Steel, rates the bridge in fair condition and describes its corrosion as normal and repairable for an aging truss. One caveat: Bach Steel has not yet completed an on-site evaluation, which is scheduled for later. County staff have pointed to safety concerns and limited space for pedestrians and cyclists in recommending replacement.
The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Florida’s last remaining historic swing bridges. Nearly 2,000 residents have pushed to save it, and the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners is expected to consider the bridge’s future later this year. No vote date has been set. If you cross the Intracoastal at Blackburn Point, what would you like to see happen?
