The two approaches to the new St. Petersburg Pier are the Overwater Drive and the Overwater Bridge, or as opponents call them, "sidewalks to nowhere." They seem unaware that the Overwater Drive and Bridge both lead to the Marina in the center of the pier, and continue on to the Promontory at the end. The Promontory is the large gathering place with restaurant and concessions under the shaded canopy. I wrote about the new pier's Promontory and Marina here on the Patch. The two approaches extend into the Bay from two different angles and levels, crisscrossing halfway to the Marina, and continuing to the Promontory. The lower of the two approaches, the Overwater Drive, is the largest.
The Overwater Drive has increased in width from 20' to 22' railing to railing. There'll be fishing along this approach in areas designated by the city. Both approaches are designed primarily for pedestrians, but the Overwater Drive will allow emergency, maintenance, and service vehicles as well as the electric tram. The Overwater Drive will be built higher than the old pier's approach to meet current flood codes and allow for projected sea level rise. The new height will be 14.8' offering a much better view than the old pier. Unlike the old pier, the underside of the new pier will not be in the wave zone, and utilities below will now be enclosed and no longer exposed to the elements . Between the base of the new pier and the Marina are two shaded balconies 8' deep and 120' long. These balconies extend out into the Bay offering shade and a place to sit. At the Marina the Overwater Drive widens again for a tram stop (also emergency turnaround), and again for the Marina restrooms. The Overwater Drive then continues on to the end of the pier where it joins the Promontory. Back at the Marina, the shaded Marina Overlook connects the Overwater Drive to the Overwater Bridge.
The Overwater Bridge has also increased in width and is now 12' wide between railings. The railings here are 52" high versus 42" on the Overwater Drive. This upper approach is 32.5' high and is for pedestrians and bicyclists only. The Overwater Bridge begins behind the new Columbia restaurant at the Hub (on existing pelican parking lot). Accessible by a wheelchair ramp, the upper approach will connect to the Columbia restaurant's rooftop terrace offering beautiful views of the city and the Bay.
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Let's take the Overwater Bridge out towards the Marina where it becomes shaded by the canopy. This is where things get interesting. As mentioned above, the Marina Overlook connects the Overwater Bridge and Drive. The Overwater Drive also connects to the arched stairway entrance to the Marina. As the Overwater Bridge continues it begins to slope down to the promontory, but before it does, a new pathway branches off called the Bike Path. The Bike Path goes up through an opening in the canopy, rises above it, passes in front of the Oculus Window and lower observation level, and then ramps down to the promontory below. Don't worry, you won't get lost - it will be an exciting ride! You can see how all this happens in the new Marina pictures and other new renderings.
Sidewalks to nowhere? Hardly. Think of the beautiful views that these two approaches and additional elevated pathways will offer. And there will be plenty to do at the new pier including many of the events held at the old. Music, dancing, dining, fishing, and more. Also, the Marina will be part of the Pinellas Blueways Trail as it accommodates personal watercraft. Pier into the future, and maybe you can see it already. The Overwater Drive and Bridge at the New St. Petersburg Pier. Let's get it built! http://www.buildthepier.com/
http://www.thenewstpetepier.com/