The new JolleyBridge design will represent a first in Florida. The guardrail redesign will enhance the aesthetic entrance to MarcoIsland and will include:
- More expansive views
- More of an island-type character with a grassy slope,
similar to the current style of the bridge
- Safer access to recreational areas with changes to the median
- Modified access on the marina side of the bridge for a future linear park
- Access for pedestrians will be enhanced under the bridge and provide connections between future parking and the proposed linear park
The new redesign is also under budget, coming in at approximately $120,000 less than the original design while meeting the same safety standards. The project is on time with the second span having begun in January 2010; the new bridge will carry southbound traffic to the Island while the existing bridge will carry northbound traffic off the island. The new span will include 12-foot lanes, and an 8-foot sidewalk with lighting on the west side.
In addition, a new roadway will be built to connect to the new bridge and the existing roadway will be resurfaced on each side of the bridge. Both the City of Marco Island and CollierCounty will plant and maintain landscaping on each respective side of the bridge.