Columbus Drive Bridge closed for repairs | News

Tampa, Florida - Work began Tuesday to repair the Columbus Drive Bridge in West Tampa.

Originally called the Michigan Avenue Bridge, it was built in 1926 and the span over the Hillsborough River is just plain old.

"It's 86 years old," says Hillsborough County spokesman Steve Valdez. "The gears, the motors, the drivetrain of that swing-tail bridge are worn out. It has to be replaced."

While repairs take place, the historic bridge is completely closed to traffic.

About 20,000 cars a day typically used the bridge and while Columbus Drive near the bridge is still open to local traffic, small businesses along that stretch are likely to suffer.

At the Discount Food III grocery store, aisles on Tuesday were devoid of the usual customers picking up their usual items. "Snack, soda, candy... not today, today is nothing," says clerk Youcef Kihal.

It may be a long, slow three months for businesses. That's how long the bridge work is expected to take. The county's aware of that and that's why the bridge contract contains some hefty incentives.

"We have a $10,000 incentive for the contractor to finish early, for each day, and a $10,000 clause that he owes us should it be late," says Valdez.

As for possible detour routes, the county recommends taking the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge to the north or using I-275 to the south.