Every two years the Frank R. Norris Bridge on US 27 in Branford gets a routine inspection by the Florida Department of Transportation. The bridge, which spans the Suwannee River near Ivey Memorial Park and Branford Springs, was built in 1989.

On Tuesday morning, June 28, Senior Bridge Inspector David Garza was on the scene and he said so far, so good on the inspection. Garza has been with the FDOT since 1992.

“It’s a routine inspection,” Garza said. “It’s on a two-year cycle.”

Garza said as part of their inspection they check underneath for cracks in the beams and the deck, using a uniquely designed hydraulic bucket that is mounted onto a truck, which sits atop the bridge. This specialized equipment allows them to maneuver safely underneath the bridge.

The Suwannee River has been at near record lows this year because of the current drought situation, not only in Branford, but all along the river.

“Two years ago when our divers looked at it, their max depth was 24 feet,” Garza said. “They did it again this month and it was 12 feet.”

Only one lane of the bridge was open to traffic while inspectors were working, but the FDOT flaggers did a fine job of keeping the traffic flowing with minimal wait time.