KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard and Navy in Key West urge boaters to observe the no-wake zone and use caution while transiting under the Fleming Key Bridge while the bridge undergoes structural repairs through mid-December.
The Fleming Key Bridge connects Trumbo Annex and Fleming Key, and the waters beneath are an area restricted by the Navy. The general public may transit under the bridge, but the Coast Guard and Navy urge the boating public to exercise extreme caution while doing so as construction continues under the bridge.
Boaters must use the minimum speed necessary to maintain course commensurate with the no-wake zone while transiting Fleming Cut.
No Wake bouys have been installed on either side of the bridge, and will remain in place until construction is complete.
“The construction project to make structural repairs to the bridge between Trumbo Point and Fleming Key is very important to Naval Air Station Key West and the City of Key West,” said Capt. Patrick Lefere, commanding officer of NAS Key West. “It’s also very important that the job is completed safely. NAS Key West regrets any inconvenience to boaters transiting the construction zone but safety is paramount while repairs are made. NAS Key West appreciates the assistance of U. S. Coast Guard Sector Key West and the cooperation of boaters transiting the area to keep construction workers safe.”
The City of Key West’s water treatment plant, Army Special Warfare Underwater Combat Swimmer’s School and Naval Research Lab are all located on Fleming Key and use the bridge daily.
The construction project is being done by L. C. Gaskins Construction Company under a $974.4 thousand contract with the Navy.
Construction is expected to last through December and will be during daylight hours only.
Members of the boating public may contact the NAS Key West Public Affairs Office at 305-293-2027 with questions regarding the project. In Addition, the Coast Guard is providing weekly updates to mariners via the Local Notice to Mariners. The notices are available at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmDistrict®ion=7.
