Gov. Scott Applauds New Pensacola Bay Bridge Construction

June 27, 2017

Monday, Gov. Rick Scott celebrated the kick off of construction on the new Pensacola Bay Bridge, the largest transportation infrastructure project in Northwest Florida history.

The State of Florida is investing $398.5 million in the new bridge. The new bridge is expected to be completed in 2019 and will temporarily transition four lanes of traffic onto the structure. This will allow for demolition of the existing bridge and completion of the second and final bridge in 2020.

“I was proud to join

Northwest Florida leaders and community members to celebrate the kick off of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge project today. This investment will help increase safety and efficiency for the many families and visitors that travel through this beautiful community each day and will also help support the creation of thousands of jobs. Thanks to our

commitment to making record transportation investments, critical projects like the Pensacola Bay Bridge replacement will help ensure Florida’s transportation infrastructure remains a national leader for generations to come,” Scott said.

The new bridge will consist of two parallel structures, each with three 12-foot travel lanes, two 10-foot shoulders, and a 10-foot multi-use path for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists.

The project’s design-build contractor, Skanska USA Civil Southeast, Inc., estimates they will directly employ more than 500 workers to construct the new bridge. Additionally, estimates from the University of West Florida’s Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development indicate the project will help create and sustain approximately 4,200 jobs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, along with an additional 600 jobs throughout Florida.

“I thank Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature and local officials for making this vital investment for Northwest Florida families and businesses. Governor Scott’s policies have led an economic revival across the state. We are at a nearly 10-year-low in unemployment and we are seeing 1,000 people move to the state each day. That’s why our transportation improvements, like the new Pensacola Bay Bridge, are critical to meeting the challenges of growth,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Dew said.

Pictured above and below: Gov. Rick Scott marks the construction kick off of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge in Pensacola late Monday morning. Pictured bottom: A computer generated image of the new bridge. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

5 Responses to “Gov. Scott Applauds New Pensacola Bay Bridge Construction”

  1. David Klos on July 6th, 2017 4:08 pm

    It would sure be nice if there was the same interest in re-opening up the Pass at Navarre to allow the sound to clean itself. I guess there has to be a monetary payback in order for that to take place.

  2. nod on June 29th, 2017 1:24 pm

    Chris, does I-65 run through Flordia?

  3. David on June 28th, 2017 5:54 am

    Now…about that new bridge toll you will bring up when its done when you say you didnt expect the cost to be that much….nothing is for free….uh…Garcon Point issue in the making ( but we dont want to talk about that)

  4. chris on June 27th, 2017 12:30 pm

    Wouldn’t an I-10 to I-65 connector be in AL?

  5. C. Wehrspaun on June 27th, 2017 9:05 am

    Nice! Now get started on an I-65 & I-10 connector.