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Commissioners approve conditional bridge use for 70‑ton crane to support FPL line; vote 4‑1
Summary
The board approved Irby Construction's conditional use of a posted bridge over Fish Slough to deliver a 70‑ton crane for Florida Power & Light transmission work, subject to pre/post inspections, a hold‑harmless agreement and insurance; Commissioner DeCarlo voted no.
Okeechobee County commissioners voted 4–1 to allow Irby Construction to temporarily use the posted northwest 200th Street bridge over Fish Slough to move a 70‑ton crane needed for Florida Power & Light’s transmission‑line project.
The county approved the request only after Irby signed a conditions‑of‑use and hold‑harmless agreement that requires pre‑ and post‑use structural inspections, carries specified insurance limits, requires flaggers during the movement, and obligates the contractor to repair any damage discovered after the movement.
Seth Mathis, county engineer, explained staff had reviewed a structural load analysis and coordinated the request with the county’s continuing‑service structural consultant. Irby’s representative Sean Ryczak told the board the crane and some pole loads for the project exceed the bridge’s posted limit of 34 tons; the crane alone is 70 tons. Ryczak said the heavier poles are not every pole on the project but include several loads that would exceed the posted limit.
Commissioner Burrows moved approval; Commissioner Sumner seconded. The motion passed with Commissioners Burrows, Sumner, Goodbread and Carlin voting yes and Commissioner DeCarlo voting no. DeCarlo repeatedly voiced concern about long‑term effects on a 45‑year‑old bridge, asking how the county would ensure the contractor would be responsible if damage appeared only after time. Staff and Irby emphasized the agreement includes pre/post surveys and indemnification; the county attorney and the county’s structural consultant reviewed the engineer’s load rating and recommended the limited, conditioned use.
The county administrator recommended approval, noting the bridge use as the most efficient route to the work zone and explaining that alternative routes also contain posted bridges or require substantial detours.
The board’s action permits the contractor to proceed under the conditions attached to the permit; staff will oversee the required inspections and document condition before and after the crossing.
