DUNEDIN, Fla. — Pinellas County officials are hoping a federal grant will help pay to replace the Dunedin Causeway Bridge.

The aging bridge was built in two spans back in 1963, connecting Dunedin to Honeymoon Island.

County officials say it no longer meets current engineering standards.

The commission just voted to apply for a grant of $79 million from the Federal Highway Administration to help pay for a replacement.

The cost is estimated at more than $100 million, from design to construction.

County officials confirmed to Spectrum News that the application was submitted last month and they hope to hear about approval by the summer of 2025.

If approved, the new main bridge would include a wider sidewalk and a 15-foot wide multi-use trail to connect to the Pinellas Trail.

That’s welcome news to Ozona resident Jason Yanofksy, who walks the bridge frequently.

“One of the things that’s difficult about part of the bridge is that bikes and people tend to clash just a little bit, because the walkways really aren’t very wide,” Yanofksy said.

There are also concerns about the draw bridge malfunctioning, which can impact both car and boat traffic.

Current plans call for construction to go from 2028 to 2031, according to the project website.

Yanofksy hopes the county is able to move forward with the project so locals and visitors can continue to enjoy the area.  

“Anything to get the area to be more accessible to people is a good thing," Yanofksy said. "Florida is all about the outdoors."