It's history: Old John's pass bridge demolished

TREASURE ISLAND --  The implosion of what was left of submerged pilings under the old northbound span of John's Pass Bridge went off without a hitch this morning, transportation officials said.

The blast took place at 8:22 a.m. The Gulf Boulevard bridge closed at 7:50 a.m. for the blast but reopened to vehicle traffic when dolphins were spotted swimming below.

It closed again about 8:10, and reopened at 8:30.

Kris Carson, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Transportation, said today's implosion would be the last. Since 2006, engineers have done several implosions of underwater structures that were part of the old twin-span drawbridge. Each time, a wildlife team looks out for protected animals in Boca Ciega Bay.

The $80-million rebuilt bridge, wider for drivers and taller for boats, is expected to be done by late 2010.

Luis Perez, Times Staff Writer

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