Sunshine Skyway Bridge Reopens – Finally!
The four-mile span linking Pinellas and Manatee counties was closed since Sunday because of wind gusts from Tropical Storm Debby.
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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is now open to traffic.
The Florida Highway Patrol reopened the iconic cable-stayed bridge at 3 a.m. Wednesday, after wind gusts decreased from up to 58 mph to 20-22 mph.
The Skyway Bridge officially closed at 4 p.m. Sunday, as Tropical Storm Debby churned over the Gulf of Mexico, bringing thunder showers, tornados, high seas and strong winds.
The three-day closure was one for the record books. Previously, the longest period the bridge stayed close was for eight hours on Sept. 14, 2001.
Even on mild days, motorists driving across the tall bridge can feel vehicles shimmer in the wind. The bridge, with panoramic views of Tampa Bay, averages about 52,000 vehicles each day.
For current traffic and road closure information please check the FHP Website at: http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic/crs_h501.htm
Kathi Hawkins
11:53 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
"Even on mild days, motorists driving across the tall bridge can feel vehicles shimmer in the wind."
i think you meant "shimmy", right?