Cow Key Channel bridge project hits a milestone. But it’s not over yet

The state’s $6.2 million Cow Key Channel Bridge rehabilitation project will hit a milestone this week as it heads toward completion, the Florida Department of Transportation said.

All four lanes of the bridge, which connects Key West to Stock Island, are set to reopen Friday.

“No daily traffic shifts will occur,” FDOT said in a news release. “Nighttime, intermittent single lane closures will take place on the bridges and roadway Sunday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

The project - repairing damage to the bridge caused by saltwater corrosion - isn’t over, however. But it is hitting the third and last phase.

Crews still need to rebuild the medians, install landscaping and repave and restripe the road.

The project began in March 2020 and is scheduled to finish in December.

FDOT reminded drivers that the speed limit has been reduced to 25 mph in the construction zone.

Here are some changes FDOT said will take place as of Friday:

• The crosswalk and signals on College Road South will be working.

• The temporary traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 1 and College Road North will be removed.

• Pedestrian walkways, including the sidewalk on the outbound bridge and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, will reopen.

The bicycle lane along the bridges will remain closed until the roadway work is complete, FDOT said.

In early 2020, people were dreading the bridge rehabilitation project that threatened to cause serious congestion on the only road in and out of Key West. Commuters were worried. Parents weren’t sure they could get their kids to school on time.

But then the novel coronavirus pandemic hit. The Keys shut down to visitors from late March until June. With no tourists and with people working from home or quarantining, traffic was minimal on the bridge.