Little Redfish Lake Bridge Complete - Scenic 30A Open

During past bridge projects the bike path remains open as long as possible until the removal of the old bridge/culvert. Utility work is first though so it will likely depend if there is anything buried on the south side.




Defuniak Herald
March 10, 2021
By DOTTY NIST

New bridges planned for two coastal dune lakes

Walton County has received funding for bridge projects at Deer Lake and Little Redfish Lake, two of the county’s globally rare and unique coastal dune lakes. The two lakes are located along CR-30A.

Melinda Gates, environmental coordinator for Walton County Public Works Environmental, explained that this bridge construction along CR-30A is to replace existing culverts across the lakes. “Removing the culverts will help restore the hydrologic connection of the northern and southern lobes of the lakes,” she said.

Gates said the two projects will be similar to the bridges already in place at three other coastal dune lakes, Big Redfish Lake, Draper Lake, and Alligator Lake. Culvert replacement/bridge construction projects on all these coastal dune lakes are part of an ongoing coastal dune lake hydrologic restoration effort in Walton County.

Gates commented that construction of the Little Redfish Lake bridge project will be funded through a $1,175,396.16 RESTORE Act grant. The Deer Lake construction project, she said, will be funded from a $1,224,603.84 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.

Gates added that the current schedule is for the Little Redfish Lake construction to be conducted in fall 2021 and for construction on the Deer Lake project to take place in fall 2022.




BRIDGE PROJECTS planned for Deer Lake and Little Redfish Lake will be similar to the completed Alligator Lake Bridge, which is pictured. (Photo credit: Ric Burn of DRMP, Inc., consultant to Walton County)


New bridges planned for two coastal dune lakes – The Defuniak Herald & Beach Breeze

October 28 is when the complaints start.

There are also signs on 30a near Lakewood Dr and another on Lakewood Dr saying 30a west will be closed to through traffic Nov 1-4 during electrical work.

Beginning Oct.27, CR30A will be closed between CR83 and CR283 as the bridge at Little Redfish Lake is replaced.

As part of the project, crews will construct a new 40-foot-long precast concrete bridge and supporting components. The existing culverts and pedestrian bridge will be demolished, approximately 680-feet of the roadway and multi-use path will be realigned, and new drainage facilities will be installed.

The bridge replacement, which is scheduled to last six months, is being funded through a $1,175,396.16 RESTORE Act Grant.

For more information about this project, please contact Walton County Public Works at (850) 892-8108.

Can you bike around the closed bridge on 30A without taking Hwy 98?

Not, yet. This was taken two days ago...

I will say this morning that a bulldozer and a steam roller were being removed on an 18 wheeler.

I would wait until they remove the signs though.

I will say this morning that a bulldozer and a steam roller were being removed on an 18 wheeler.

I would wait until they remove the signs though.

Can one go through Point Washington Park trails from Old Blue Mountain Road to CR 283?

Can one go through Point Washington Park trails from Old Blue Mountain Road to CR 283?

Yes, but the trail is a little rough

The 30a bike path across the new bridge is passable now, as long as there are no workers there to chase you off and you don't mind lifting your bike up onto and off of the new bridge deck. I imagine it won't be long before they legitimately open it back up.

Can you bike around the closed bridge on 30A without taking Hwy 98?

You could ride the beach if you don't mind wading through dune lake outflow.

Any updates?

Any updates?

Paving and landscaping are done. South side bike path railing is done. Guard rails and striping are not finished. You can get by on a bike or on foot but not in a car. Hope it will be finished and open next week, but who knows...

Thanks for the update. We are visiting at a odd time of the year for us. Knew about the construction, so we took Grayton to Seaside instead of our usual scenic route starting at the western beginning point. At least we can ride to Grayton and see all the changes there. (Sad face).

Side note. While riding our bikes in Watercolor (now walking our bikes across the bridge - good thing), workers were taking down the beautiful glass that line the entrance on both sides of the bridge. Spring breakers destroyed all of them one year! Just can't imagine the immaturity.
Ellen

Thanks for the update. We are visiting at a odd time of the year for us. Knew about the construction, so we took Grayton to Seaside instead of our usual scenic route starting at the western beginning point. At least we can ride to Grayton and see all the changes there. (Sad face).

Side note. While riding our bikes in Watercolor (now walking our bikes across the bridge - good thing), workers were taking down the beautiful glass that line the entrance on both sides of the bridge. Spring breakers destroyed all of them one year! Just can't imagine the immaturity.
Ellen

Kids have been breaking those at all times of year for a long time now. The HOA have put locks and cameras everywhere in WaterColor. I guess they got tired of paying for glass cattails. Maybe all metal would be a good alternative.

It's done!

The signs are down!

IT'S OPEN!!!!!