Has Money For Flyover Bridge Been Wasted?

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County already spent $400,000 on plans to build a new flyover bridge on the busy Pineda Causeway. WFTV found out on Monday that all that money may have been wasted.

It was supposed to the solution to traffic congestion and safety issues, but Brevard County commissioners are now calling a $27 million plan to build a bridge over the railroad tracks a waste of taxpayer money and want to back out on the construction plan entirely.

"I don't think it's necessary. I really don't," said Viera resident Pat Walters.

The flyover was first proposed three years ago. It was part of the agreement with the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) when crews widened the Pineda Causeway and connected it to I-95.

Rail officials believed that would mean the potential for more traffic and more crashes at the tracks.

'When the train does cross it stops traffic for a long time," said Merritt Island resident, All Bonavito.

And it could stay that way because on Tuesday, commissioners are expected to approve terminating the project, even though they've already spent more than $400,000.

Railroad officials said while they're disappointed, the county is legally allowed to back out at this stage in the project.

But a FEC spokesperson also said that as part of the agreement, if the county chose not to build the flyover, they would have to take the road back to its original condition which is from four lanes to two lanes. That would likely cost taxpayers even more money

"Our whole country is in a mess right now because we just don't stop spending money," said Viera resident, Ann Paul.

FEC officials told WFTV that they plan to work with the county to find an "amicable" solution to their roadway problems.

WFTV