The purpose of this project is to provide technical assistance to FDOT District 7 in the development of lightning protection plans for the existing air terminal systems at the tops of two towers on the Skyway Bridge.

The existing lightning protection system on the Skyway Bridge was designed based on a 1989-1990 site survey and the subsequent study and report. Since its deployment in the 1998 time frame, three air terminals have separated from their mounts and collapsed on the flat surface of the tower tops.

In addition to the problems with the existing air terminals, the spatial requirements for the two tower tops have changed over the years. A comprehensive engineering study is being prepared, followed by design recommendations to upgrade the lightning protection system elements on the tower tops . In addition, the bridge electrical system will also be considered in the study, and recommendations will be developed to add or change grounding and transient voltage surge suppression.

Please contact Gene Glotzbach at (850) 410-5616 or Gene.Glotzbach@dot.state.fl.us for additional information.