"Rumor has it the new bridge at CR 220 has sunk over three inches and will not open as scheduled in October?"

According to a progress report given by the Engineering Department on Sept. 8 during a Board of County Commissioner's meeting, the County Road 220 bridge over Little Black Creek is still set to open in mid-October.

County Engineer Richard Smith said both the bridge replacement and four-lane widening project from Knight Boxx Road to Chief Ridaught Trail continues on schedule. The four-lane road section from Joe Johns Road to Chief Ridaught Trail is currently open to traffic, and the FDOT had its final inspection on Sept. 9.

Work for final paving and striping continues, while both drainage repair projects on the eastbound shoulder are 100% complete. Smith said the final punch list items for the bridge, including minor curb work and guardrails, are also near completion.

 Phase 1 work began in December 2024, while Phase 2 work began in January 2025.

During the meeting, Chair Kristen Burke acknowledged a social media post claiming the bridge would be open beginning Sept. 17, however Smith said that was not true.

He added that there are several sign offs and parameters that need to be in place before the bridge is allowed to open. And while work is continuing, Smith urged the public to not interfere or travel on it.

"They are very thorough. This will not have traffic on it if it's not passed by the Florida DOT," he said.

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