Plantation advances Midtown bridge design; council favors brick gateway and Victorian‑style lights

City officials presented a progress update on the Midtown Bridge project at the April 9 council meeting and sought council input on aesthetic treatments for the bridge gateway.

Marlin Engineering representatives described the project alignment: a roughly 200‑foot long, three‑lane westbound bridge connecting near University Drive and State Road 84 (I‑595/State Road 84 merge area). The design includes a right‑in/right‑out configuration onto State Road 84 with an acceleration lane for traffic leaving the bridge; the design also incorporates high‑emphasis pedestrian crossings where the bridge intersects the New River Greenway, including pedestrian‑activated in‑ground flashing lights for the greenway crossing.

Consultants said the project began its environmental and design approvals in 2021 and reached a key milestone with location and concept approvals late in 2024 and federal approval to access westbound State Road 84 in February 2025. Staff said the project will submit 90% plans in late 2025 and pursue final construction permits with construction‑permit target after 100% plans are submitted in early 2026.

On aesthetics, the Midtown Advisory Board and the planning‑and‑zoning board recommended a brick facade with a side‑mounted gateway treatment matching the city’s Midtown branding and “King Victorian” post lights. Councilmembers generally favored that option. Several members asked staff to include the electrical infrastructure for lighting in the initial construction so fixtures can be installed later if the council decides to defer the physical fixtures; others suggested using a stamped‑concrete medians treatment with repeating color bands (green, orange, white) to create a visual cue for drivers.

Council discussion also touched on safety details, including designing the median tip (a ‘pork‑chop’ or curved island) to channel traffic into a right‑turn movement off the bridge and reviewing whether lighting is necessary where existing street lighting is present. City engineers said they will incorporate council direction into the 90% design package.

Why it matters: The Midtown Bridge is a federally funded transportation project that will create a new westbound connection to State Road 84; design choices will affect long‑term maintenance costs, wayfinding and the visual character of the Midtown area.

Next steps: Staff and consultant will prepare 90% plans and finalize permit submissions; council direction on brick side‑mounted gateway and Victorian lighting will be reflected in design documents.