Hi Jim,

...with the possible exception of somewhere in S. Florida, opening bridges have been replaced with 65' fixed bridges everywhere, every new bridge added has been a high-level bridge, and most older opening bridges have been replaced with higher opening spans where a high level span was not possible... The only exception is a new swing bridge added near Barefoot Landing recently, a bridge that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, as there is plenty of land on each side of the ditch to allow for the grade of a high level bridge...

A place like St. Augustine rebuilding the Bridge of Lions makes more sense, as that bridge has always been such a signature scenic fixture of the town... Perhaps the decision to replace the swinging span of the Ben Saywer bridge was made on purely economic grounds, it might cost far less than a complete new bridge construction, who knows? But, I suspect you're right...

best regards,

Jon