This is an update from the  Rockport Pilot on the causeway. For a picture click on the link to the pilot.

Friday, November 23, 2012 7:15 AM CST

Work on the new Copano Bay Causeway bridge is clearly visible now as several rows of bridge pilings and caps can easily be seen to the east side of both the south and north ends of the current bridge.
Texas Department of Transportation Engineer Armando Bosquez reported construction crews have been working in the water for several months now, driving pilings which are 54 inches in diameter. He said approximately one-third of the pilings for the first phase are in place, and about 15 percent of the “rectangular caps” have been placed on those pilings.
He said crews also have started bringing in concrete beams for about two weeks now.
Bosquez explained the process is very repetitive and initially they started only on the south end, but now are working on both ends, going back and forth in a detailed process.
They will continue this work for about 14 more months, according to the schedule. The expectation is by January or February of 2014, they will be able to put traffic on that new part of the bridge. Once that is done, they can go into the demolition stage of the current bridge.
He said it is starting to look like a bridge. He advised motorists approaching the bridge, there continues to be more activity each week as they are bringing in more beams and pilings.
They will see trucks bringing in heavier loads, which can slow down traffic.
He urges motorists to be patient, watch out for workers, and stay out of the way (in the area where construction crews are set up).
The new bridge will consist of four 12-foot travel lanes with four-foot inside shoulders and 10-foot outside shoulders; a concrete median barrier; and a higher elevation for hurricane evacuation and increased protection from storm damage. The project length is about 3.4 miles with the bridge length at two miles. Construction is on schedule and still expected to be completed by mid 2015.