JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Divers working with the Florida Department of Transportation are plunging into the St. Johns River over the next few days to inspect the underwater structures of the Hart Bridge.
This is phase two of a routine inspection process that happens every couple of years.
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David Heuschkel, a bridge inspector with FDOT, is helping oversee this operation, and he’s also been diving for more than three decades, so he knows what it takes.
“They’re definitely hardcore people,” Heuschkel said. “It’s challenging jumping into the water and not knowing what to expect down there. It takes a special person.”
Only one diver can go in at a time, and he will spend about two hours looking at three things: The piers below the decks, spalls which are basically cracks caused by broken off pieces of concrete, and scours, which is erosion of the soil surrounding the bridge’s foundation.
“Scour would be the biggest thing, the biggest worry,” he said.
Another worry: water conditions.
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These divers are dealing with high currents and low visibility, which means they can only see from a foot to two feet in front of them.
“Visibility and darkness could be a little scary,” Heuschkel explained. “But that kind of goes away after a little while. You kind of just concentrate on what you’re doing in your job.”
Divers have lights on their helmets, which can weigh up to 28 pounds, but, they will also have to feel their way around the structures.
And if the weather gets bad, an underwater drone will take their place.
The entire underwater feat will help FDOT pinpoint any potential repairs to keep the bridge up and running.
“That’s our number goal is keeping the drivers and public safe,” Heuschkel added.
In a couple of weeks, climbers will replace divers for phase three of the Hart Bridge inspection. This time, climbers will be scaling the trusses of the bridge to make sure those are in good condition.