6th Avenue Over Lake Osborne Drive Bridge Replacement

Palm Beach County faced a dilemma with their existing dual bridge over Lake Osborne. Insufficient clearance over a four-lane divided arterial roadway from Congress Avenue to Wright Avenue was creating a nuisance for the community and safety hazard for trucks. The County engaged our team to prepare a bridge replacement and alignment study.

Originating as part of the County Pathway Program, the initial pathway study, prior to our involvement, identified the need for a sidewalk on the north side of 6th Avenue from the entrance of Palm Beach State College east of Congress Avenue to the existing bridge. The sidewalk would provide pedestrian access from Lake Osborne Drive up to the westbound side of the bridge.

Constructed in the 1970s with a good structural health index, the bridge did have a low sufficiency rating. Our study focused on addressing the geometric and safety deficiencies of the roadway and bridge while also tackling pedestrian and bicycle mobility needs. After completion of the study, the County brought us on for construction design.

Along with safer passage for trucks under the bridge, the project provides the community with better connectivity to the adjacent John Prince Park through continuous bicycle lanes and sidewalks throughout the corridor.