Punta Gorda walking bridge destroyed by suspected drunk driver

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – A mangled mess of metal is all that’s left of a walking bridge after a hit-and-run crash in Punta Gorda.

Punta Gorda police report the walking bridge at the end of West Retta Esplanade was struck by a suspected drunk driver. The location is between Gilchrist Park and Fisherman’s Village.

Barricades currently block pedestrians and cyclists from venturing on the path. The railings are knocked down from the damage.
The bridge will stay closed until it can be repaired, officials said. 

“Public Works has barricaded off the footbridge area and is trying to locate temporary barriers to install so that the bridge can be opened.  The City will work with our contractor on a permanent repair,” Mellisa Reichert said, Punta Gorda’s assistant city manager. 

The estimated damage from the crash is about $12,000, Reichert said.

Police are asking the public not to walk on the bridge while barricades are still out.

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