Red Bug Lake Road Cross Seminole Trail Overpass

American Bridge retained Ayres to perform final structural and civil design services for a pedestrian overpass over Red Bug Lake Road near the intersection of SR 426, along with a new section of paved trail. The design-build project involved site clearing, foundations, and structural and architectural components.

The pedestrian bridge links two major segments of Seminole County’s 25-mile Cross Seminole Trail. Now trail users can safely cross eight lanes of heavy traffic using the 873-foot pedestrian overpass, which has a 170-foot-long main span, a total bridge length of 735 feet, and approaches on each end. The Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers awarded the project its 2013 Honor Award for excellence in engineering.

The size of the structure was the project’s most significant challenge. It is the longest single-span prestressed concrete pedestrian structure in Florida. Ayres engineers saved the County money by using spread footings for the main column rather than deep piling, which allowed easier relocation of utilities underground. The design included decorative columns, an ornamental safety enclosure, and dark green and brick red coloring to enhance the natural environment.

• Hisham Sunna, Manager - Structural Engineering - Southeast

• Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridges