Local Officials Tour New Pensacola Bay Bridge Just Days Ahead Of Opening

July 24, 2019

Local officials toured the new Pensacola Bay Bridge Tuesday, five days ahead of the opening of the first span.

Senator Doug Broxson hosted a tour across the soon to be opened bridge on Tuesday. He was joined by Santa Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard, whose district includes Gulf Breeze, along with Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender, whose district includes the Escambia portion of the new bridge.

“Since the grand opening of the fully completed bridge will not be held until both spans are complete in 2021, we wanted these men and women to know how much the community appreciates their hard work,” said Senator Broxson.

“I would like to thank Senator Broxson, Skanska, and FDOT for this invitation,” said Commissioner Bender. “I appreciate the opportunity to thank the men and women for their hard work on the bridge that will connect Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties for decades to come. Each worker showed pride and excitement for being a part of this new bridge, which is also shared throughout our community.”

Highway 98 eastbound traffic (from Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) will be shifted to the Pensacola Bay Bridge on Sunday evening, July 28, and Highway 98 westbound traffic (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will shift on Thursday, August 1.

From 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28 to 6 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 17th Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Gregory Street and the CSX Railroad overpass. Drivers will be detoured using Ninth Avenue and Cervantes Street (U.S. 90). Access to the visitor’s center, boat ramp, and the Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier will be maintained for local traffic via 17th Avenue.

The temporary configuration for the new bridge will provide two lanes of east and two lanes of westbound traffic, along with a center-lane reserved for emergency vehicles. A multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists is expected to be operational approximately two-months after the traffic shift.

With all traffic shifted to the new bridge, construction crews will demolish the current bridge, complete the new westbound structure, and reconstruct the 17th Avenue interchange.

The entire bridge project, which is the largest infrastructure project in the history of Northwest Florida, is scheduled for completion in 2021.

The planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

5 Responses to “Local Officials Tour New Pensacola Bay Bridge Just Days Ahead Of Opening”

  1. Tom on July 27th, 2019 4:24 pm

    It’s so exciting to see the very evident growth of the Pensacola area, and this beautiful new bridge is such an impressive addition to our “one of a kind” community!

  2. Hamil Harris on July 26th, 2019 1:19 am

    I am so proud to see the new Pensacola Bay Bridge that I understand will be named after General Daniel Chappie James. I love Pensacola and have many happy memories of fishing off the old bridge as a child.

  3. Nice on July 25th, 2019 3:41 pm

    Let’s hope the bridge is safe for traffic. Don’t forget about the news stories about the cracks. There haven’t been any updates on it.

    I’m excited about it being completed. It looks so pretty from afar!

  4. Gator Brown on July 25th, 2019 8:58 am

    I’ve been over 3 mile bridge since 1967. I was 7 years old then. I live in Memphis now. But the new 3 mile Bridge looks like Home. Thank you for everything.
    Gator Brown

  5. Theresa Craven on July 25th, 2019 1:51 am

    I just saw this on my google app. I got so excited. We have visited your area way to many times to count.When I get to the bridge the excitement begins. We always loved the area so much and we are so looking forward to seeing this awesome new bridge.I saw one little picture and it is going to be beautiful. I love the arch with the flags.Great job …..
    Congratulations Penscola and Gulf Breeze we ❤ you

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News