North Causeway Bridge in Fort Pierce, Florida, is currently under construction and will soon bring congestion relief to boaters and motorists. The old draw bridge built in 1963 is structurally deficient and needs major remodifications. When the new bridge is completed, it will eliminate delays for motorists waiting for the bridge to open and close. Boaters also will benefit from free water access and not having to wait for bridge openings. The new bridge will soar 85 ft. over the water, an increase over the 25-ft. clearance available in the old bridge. The new bridge will be 4,152 ft long (about half the height of Mount St. Helens) and is expected to cost $111 million with a completion date of late 2027.  

Vecellio & Grogan Inc, who specialize in heavy/highway, bridge and structures operating in the mid-Atlantic and southeast United States, is the contractor awarded the job of completing the North Causeway Bridge. For this project Vecellio & Grogan (V&G) will install 347 concrete piles, each weighing between 22 and 47 tons, and will be utilizing an ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer mounted to a Liebherr model LR1300 330-ton crane with a 170-ft. boom to install them. The ICE® 44B will also be used to drive sheet piles to create a cofferdam system that will allow safe and dry working conditions for the V&G crew. Interestingly, portions of the old draw bridge will be material for environmental benefit by utilizing them to bolster an existing artificial reef about 4 miles northeast of the Fort Pierce inlet. This addition to the reef will benefit all types of local sea creatures such as crabs, fish and the native coral that is imperative to the area's wildlife. 

Not only will the new North Causeway Bridge benefit motorists and boaters, but it will benefit pedestrian traffic as well. Both sides of the bridge will have a new 8' (ft) shoulder which will include bike lanes and sidewalks for safe and easy access across the bridge providing stunning views of the intercoastal waterway and the Fort Pierce area. International Construction Equipment, Inc (ICE®) is delighted to be a part of the North Causeway Bridge project and applauds the entire Vecellio & Grogan Inc. team for their dedication to efficiency and safety. Once this new high-level fixed span bridge is completed, it will enhance the traffic flow both underneath and across the bridge providing an easier and safer connection for all who traverse it.  

Learn More about the ICE® 44B 

Media Contact-              
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA              
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations  
Vice President IT and IT Comm         
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc              
Office - 704-821-8200          Email - marketing@iceusa.com