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New pedestrian overpass named to honor the late Dale Earnhardt
By JOHN BOZZO (john.bozzo@news-jrnl.com)
Staff Writer
DAYTONA BEACH -- Remember the man. Remember the legend.

The new pedestrian overpass built to provide safe passage for fans attending events at Daytona International Speedway has been named to honor racing icon Dale Earnhardt.

City commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday naming the overpass that spans International Speedway Boulevard The Dale Earnhardt Memorial Bridge.

A seven-time Winston Cup champion, Earnhardt was killed in a crash on the last turn of the last lap of the Daytona 500 last year.

Commissioner Yvonne Scarlett-Golden, who said she has fond memories of meeting and posing for pictures with Earnhardt, proposed the memorial honor.

"I thought it was befitting that this corridor connecting to the racetrack should be named in honor of Dale Earnhardt," she said.

Construction of the $4.2 million pedestrian overpass should be completed by Friday, said Stan Lemke, the city's Public Works director.

The overpass was criticized by some who objected to $3.2 million in state money devoted to the project. The Speedway also contributed land valued at $1 million.

Mayor Bud Asher announced that Daytona International Speedway officials agreed to pay the cost of putting plaques at both ends of the bridge to honor Earnhardt.