Following a 6 month break in construction of the Buddy Phillips Bridge, the project is back on track.The 12 million dollar bridge replacement crosses the New River on US 17 business in downtown Jacksonville. The 800 foot, 4-lane bridge replacement was halted because the original contractors, Intercoastal Contracting of Castle Hayne, filed for bankruptcy. Smith-Rowe LLC is being subcontracted to finish the last leg of work. Project Manager for the Buddy Phillips bridge Thomas Barton says construction started last month.
To be honest, we’re still figuring out a good schedule, and figuring out where we’re at as far as what work is there left to do, but I can say this summer, whether or not it’s going to be done in the middle of July, probably.
Barton says, despite the lapse in construction, the bridge should be completed by its original mid-July deadline. Stephen O’Connell, Public Radio East.
