Preserving a Historic Bridge in the Florida Keys

Gresham Smith was selected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide design services for the rehabilitation of the historic Shark Channel bridge near Key West, Florida. To preserve the bridge and re-open this vital link in the trail system as part of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, Gresham Smith prepared design plans to remove the failing cantilevers and replace the protective railings and also performed Construction Administrative services. The project included LiDAR survey and environmental permitting assistance, services performed by our partners, DRMP and ESA, on this program. The preservation contract was completed in November 2025 and the bridge was reopened for pedestrian and bicycle use.