The North Causeway Bridge Project: A Testament to Engineering and Innovation
In 2024, a monumental construction project unfolded in Fort Pierce, Florida, as work began on the new North Causeway Bridge. This vital infrastructure improvement will offer substantial benefits to both motorists and boaters. The old drawbridge, built in 1963, was structurally deficient and required major modifications. As it was no longer able to meet the growing demands of the area, the decision was made to replace it with a modern high-level fixed span bridge.
Once completed, the new North Causeway Bridge will rise 85 feet above the water, a significant upgrade from the old 25-foot clearance. Spanning 4,152 feet—roughly half the height of Mount St. Helens—the bridge will eliminate the delays caused by the drawbridge’s opening and closing, thus offering seamless passage for boaters and motorists alike. For boaters, this means free, uninterrupted access to the water, while motorists will no longer have to endure wait times for the bridge to open. The new bridge will also support pedestrian traffic, featuring 8-foot shoulders with bike lanes and sidewalks for a safer, more accessible crossing, all while providing stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Pierce.
This new bridge is expected to cost $111 million, with a projected completion date of late 2027. Vecellio & Grogan Inc. (V&G), specialists in heavy/highway, bridge, and structural projects across the mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States, was awarded the contract for this ambitious task. The V&G team has undertaken the installation of 347 concrete piles, each weighing between 22 and 47 tons, using the powerful ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer mounted on a Liebherr model LR1300 crane with a 170-foot boom.
The ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer, renowned for its strength and precision, is also being used to drive sheet piles to create a cofferdam system. This allows for safe, dry working conditions for the V&G crew, ensuring the project’s success in both safety and efficiency. It's worth noting that parts of the old drawbridge won’t be wasted. They are being repurposed to enhance an existing artificial reef about four miles northeast of the Fort Pierce Inlet. This effort benefits the local marine ecosystem by bolstering habitats for crabs, fish, and the native coral species vital to the area’s wildlife.
At The Hose Company, we are proud to support this high-profile project with our Hydrauli-Flex hoses, which are integral to the performance of ICE® equipment like the Vibratory Hammers and Drills used by Vecellio & Grogan. Hydraulic hoses play a critical role in the transfer of hydraulic fluid, powering equipment operations and ensuring that machinery runs smoothly even under the most demanding conditions. With our Hydrauli-Flex hoses, the reliability and durability needed for such heavy-duty tasks are assured, enabling the ICE® Vibratory Hammers to perform at their best.
Our high-quality hoses, crafted for optimal performance and resilience, are an essential component of the ICE® equipment, which in turn plays a vital role in the construction of projects like the North Causeway Bridge. We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and to contribute to the success of the project through our durable hydraulic solutions.
Once completed, the new North Causeway Bridge will provide a safer, more efficient connection for all who cross it, enhancing the daily lives of residents and visitors to the area. We applaud the entire Vecellio & Grogan team for their commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. Their hard work ensures that this impressive infrastructure project will continue to benefit the Fort Pierce community for generations to come.
For more information on our Hydrauli-Flex hoses or to inquire about our products, contact us today!
