DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Construction is underway on the tunnel at the Seabreeze approach in Daytona Beach, following the city’s August 14th shutdown due to safety concerns.
The emergency inspection of the structure at the Plaza Resort and Spa happened on Friday.
It was in direct response to 9 Investigates asking the city whether it was safe for cars to drive under the approach when it’s connected to a building now considered non-compliant.
Our reporting revealed that the property’s owner collected $20 million in insurance payments but hasn’t applied for any permits to repair the building.
When we went to the tunnel this week, we found large sections of concrete had been removed and replaced, and rebar was even replaced.
There are also large support beams holding the tunnel up while this work continues.
9 Investigates presented documents two weeks ago that show the work could involve more than a cosmetic fix.
The plans call for extensive repairs to deteriorated concrete throughout the structure, including sections of the overhead slab, structural beams, and columns. If more than 20 percent of the rebar has been lost, engineers will determine whether that section needs a full replacement.
We began questioning the city about the tunnel the week of August 10th, after the Plaza was declared noncompliant due to extensive code violations. By the night of August 14, it was shut down, and since then, contractors have been working around the clock.
It’s the only open beach approach between the Hard Rock Hotel and International Speedway Boulevard.
The city says it could be closed for 90 days total.
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