MEMO
TO:

Thomas Andres

CC:

Geoffrey Parker

FROM:

Todd Mitchell

SUBJECT: Flagler Memorial Bridge Site Visit
DATE:

May 4, 2018

On April 24, 2018, WSP USA, at the request of the Department, met FDOT CEI Geoffrey Parker
to perform a site visit at the Flagler Memorial Bridge. It is our understanding, on December 2016,
the bridge was opened to 2 lanes of traffic, and later to 4 lanes of traffic in August 2017. Once 4
lanes of traffic were operating on the bridge, the FDOT CEI became aware of operational issues
on the bridge starting in September 2017. Therefore, at the Departments request, we performed a
visual site review of the bridge under operational conditions looking for any indications as to the
cause of the malfunctions.
Mike Elza, Grace Patino, and Todd Mitchell, observed the major mechanical/electrical
components and general condition of the structure. Prior to the review, WSP was provided with a
list of 16 malfunctions, however two additional malfunctions were added when we arrived at the
CEI’s office. Upon review of the list; the nature of the malfunctions appeared to vary in time of
the day, equipment, and location. It was noted by the WSP team that the list provided noting the
malfunctions was not specific to what caused the malfunction or what bridge operation or alarm
preceded the malfunction. The list was also lacking on how the bridge operation was resumed after
the malfunction.
During one test operation, it was noted that the tail locks were cycled several times. The bridge
tender indicated that the cycling of the tail locks was at the request of the Contractor for greasing
purposes. It was observed that nothing was noted in the current logs regarding the cycling of the
tail locks. It is not clear if the operating logs are complete with regards to the malfunctions. It is
unknown if all malfunctions are being reported, or only malfunctions that create traffic delays, etc.
During the review, the bridge had several full openings. The bridge was carefully observed during
each operation, no malfunctions were observed during our site visit. Mechanically speaking, the
contact pattern in the grease on the racks was consistent with the balance condition documented in
the reports. Greasing activities were ongoing during our site visit. All mechanical elements had
recent ample application of lubrication. Contact patterns on the sockets and pintles on the tracks
were consistent with what would be expected.
Electrically, while the bridges operated, it was noted that bridge control system appeared to
function without issues. However, the PLC alarm monitoring system reflected a host of errors
ranging from oil temperature to lock malfunctions. The HMI display for this system is located on a
floor below the control room in the control house. During the visit, a PCL foremen informed WSP

WSP USA
wsp.com

 

Pagsz

Ihal appeared cenaln operauonal lssues occurred when [he budge lender mlempled ro proceed lo
rhe next step wnhour for rhe compleuon oflhe prevlous acuon However lo
operare Lhe hndge our of sequence should nor arreer lJ-le performance oflhe budge or cause
malfuncuons There should he a serres ofsafely lnlerlocks preyenr [he opelaror from
advancng ro rhe next srep

The leaves appeared to have very llule movemem when dame rraveled across the budge fl

_here was

some speculauon that small rnovenrenrs rhe suucmre eould he creallng we
rnechanlcal eornponenrs

Gwen rhe conrracr end dare and the number ofadjuslmenls (such as [mung adjustments
ro rhe ovemll operaung system] srnce comnusslonrng uvo years ago me Deparunenr may lo
reperform Cenmn poruons oflhe funcuonn] checkoul before final acceprance oflhe work
rhe FLC alarnl monllorlng sysrenr should be ehecked ro derernune lflhe alarrns
herng generared are valld ll'so runner oflhe eauses for rhese alarms should mke
place Gauges eould be lnsralled ro monllor any polenun] movemenr oflhe prers Whlle ls
unllkely that rhe prers are moving 15 a relallvely rnexpensrve eheck lo rule our one porenrral
cause oflhe operauonal lssues

If you have any quesllons' please feel free ro comacr me at--
Thank you,
Todd Mnehell