Public access restricted around Structure 96D during rehab project
Public access is restricted near Structure S-96D in the Upper St. Johns River Basin during a rehabilitation project.
PALM BAY, Fla., Oct. 22, 2020 — The St. Johns River Water Management District will temporarily restrict public access around the service bridge and nearby levees at a water control structure known as S-96D in Indian River County while the structure undergoes renovation.
Public access is restricted near Structure S-96D in the Upper St. Johns River Basin during a rehabilitation project.
S-96D is located upstream of the St. Johns Water Management Area (Stick Marsh), a popular fishing venue. During the refurbishment, the public must also stay clear of all equipment and temporary coffer dams, which will be placed in the waterways during construction. Work is anticipated to begin early November 2020 and last through June 2021 when the project is expected to be finished.
Time and the elements are cruel to water control structures. The restoration of S-96D requires the construction of a coffer dam to hold back water while work crews restore the concrete, steel wingwalls, gate and hardware associated with the structure. S-96D is the main outlet for Blue Cypress Water Management Area. When the structure is open, water drains north into St. Johns Water Management Area.
The total project cost is $1.5 million.
In 2020, the District completed the rehabilitation of a similar structure nearby known as S-96C. Surface water from Blue Cypress Lake and Blue Cypress Marsh Conservation Area in Indian River County discharges north through S-96C to St. Johns Marsh Conservation Area in Brevard County.