Fortress Kevlar® Utilized on Iconic Roosevelt Bridge

Protecting the Roosevelt Bridge with Fortress Kevlar® Waterproofing to Stop Steel Corrosion and Extend Service Life

The Challenge

The Roosevelt Bridge, a segmental concrete bridge and local icon in Stuart, Florida, faced a critical structural issue in 2020. Reports emerged of concrete falling into the St. Lucie River below, prompting the Coast Guard to immediately halt maritime traffic under the bridge and local authorities to close it to vehicles. Inspections revealed that reinforcement steel within the segmental seams had corroded and failed prematurely, primarily due to excessive water and salt intrusion.

The Solution

Having previously solved similar challenges on the Sawgrass Parkway bridges in Ft. Lauderdale, the Florida Department of Transportation turned to Fortress Kevlar® waterproofing membrane systems for this critical repair. Fortress Kevlar® was installed in combination with a two-lift epoxy application at each segmental seam, creating a robust protective barrier.

The Kevlar® system acts as an impermeable membrane, preventing further water and salt infiltration, and safeguarding the embedded reinforcement steel against ongoing corrosion and deterioration.

The Outcome

By implementing Fortress Kevlar®, the Florida DOT successfully:

• Extended the life of the bridge reinforcement steel

• Reduced the frequency of future repairs

• Minimized long-term maintenance costs, saving taxpayer dollars

• Decreased bridge closure requirements, protecting traffic flow and maritime commerce

The Roosevelt Bridge was returned to service with confidence, demonstrating Fortress Kevlar®’s proven ability to preserve critical infrastructure.

Why It Matters

Fortress Kevlar® is a high-performance waterproofing and reinforcement system trusted for major infrastructure applications. Its non-corrosive, durable design ensures long-term protection, while its proven performance in Florida bridges highlights its role in reducing maintenance costs and extending structural lifespan.