Cone & Graham, Inc. partnered with Wantman Group, Inc. (WGI) to deliver significant roadway and bridge improvements along a 2-mile section of SR 710, enhancing both capacity and safety. The centerpiece of the project was the complete replacement of the 1,400-foot Big John Monahan Bridge over the St. Lucie Canal, a critical link for traffic and hurricane evacuation routes.

One of the project’s most innovative aspects was the strategic real estate purchase by the Big John Monahan Team, which allowed the bridge length to be reduced by nearly 1,000 feet. This design decision resulted in nearly $10 million in savings for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The project was completed an impressive 104 days ahead of schedule and delivered $25.8 million in cost savings compared to the original proposal.

The Cone & Graham and WGI Design-Build Team set new standards by installing the longest Florida I Beams (FIBs) ever set in the state—84-foot FIBs spanning 185 feet. This achievement contributed to the project receiving a perfect Contractor’s Past Performance Rating (CPPR) score of 110, a testament to the team’s excellence in execution.

Beyond the bridge work, the project addressed numerous technical challenges. The bridge spans a jurisdictional wetland, the St. Lucie Canal/Okeechobee Waterway, and is located near sensitive historical structures, including the Seaboard Airline Railway/CSX Railroad Swing Bridge and the Potter House, both potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Special measures, including the design of custom lifting devices and the use of two 750-ton hydraulic cranes, were implemented to mitigate vibration and protect these neighboring structures during construction.

Despite the complexity of the project, Cone & Graham and WGI worked seamlessly with all stakeholders to overcome these challenges, delivering a high-quality, cost-effective solution. The project earned the prestigious Design-Build Institute of America – Florida Region’s Transportation Award for its innovative approach and substantial taxpayer savings.

This project highlights Cone & Graham’s ability to lead large-scale, complex design-build projects, delivering ahead of schedule, under budget, and to the highest standards of quality.