MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County bridge that partially collapsed not re-open until Wednesday evening, at the earliest.
The 85-year-old Sharpes Ferry Bridge in Marion County collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain produced by Tropical Storm Debby.
Florida Department of Transportation officials said the structure itself is safe to drive over, no one will be allowed to until contractors finish the prep work for the permanent repairs.
FDOT was forced to close the span after 250 feet worth of concrete retention wall collapsed on Sunday.
Officials said they have not figured out why part of the bridge washed away, considering it just opened in March after an $8 million renovation. Crews re-enforced it with a new concrete bridge and walkway.
WFTV was there when the engineers and builders of the Sharpes Ferry Bridge studied the section that crumbled into a pile of rubble.
In just a 12-hour period, some parts of Ocala were pummeled by 7 inches of rain, and winds were gusting at more than 40 mph.
People who spoke with WFTV said the bad weather is no excuse for the collapse.
"Do you think it was worth $8 million?" asked WFTV reporter Tim Barber.
"I wouldn't give you $5 million. I wouldn't give you $1 million," said Ocala resident Jesse Price.
State and county officials said they are taking more precautions until they figure out how part of the bridge washed away.
"This thing is a joke, and whoever designed it is a joke," said Price.
WFTV found out the company that designed the bridge is C3TS of Miami.
The company that built it is Orian Marine Group out of Tampa.
The bridge came with a warranty, and officials are in contact with the contractor about fixing the bridge.
WFTV
