SR 44 Whitehair Bridge Replacement over St. Johns River

The Whitehair Bridge Project replaced a 1955 bascule bridge that carried SR 44 over the St. Johns River with a high-level fixed-span structure. This $47M project replaced the existing 525’ “draw” bridge just north of the city of DeLand. The new 1,820’ fixed-span bridge provides 45’ of vertical clearance and uses 84” Florida I-Beams to span 180’ of the channel. Access to the adjacent marinas, Ed Stone Park, and New York Avenue was enhanced to allow safer egress. The Category 2 bridge, which can withstand 180 mph winds, included a fender system and Vessel Collision Design for sustainability. Permits from the St. Johns River Water Management District, the US Coast Guard, and the US Army Corps of Engineers were obtained, including a regional stormwater approach with the City of Deland.

• Complex environmental project improving sustainability and reliability

• Category 2 bridge withstands 180 mph hurricane force winds

• Vehicle Collision Avoidance System for boating/shipping traffic

• Unique foundation with 2-stage retaining walls

• Regional stormwater approach with City of DeLand