The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has reopened the Pensacola Bay Bridge, restoring the vital connection between the communities of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola along U.S. 98.
The majority of the bridge is open to four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) except for a two-lane, half-mile segment just west of the bridge’s arch while work to complete final repairs continues. The speed limit is temporarily set at 35 mph and emergency refuge areas are available on the bridge.
The bridge suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Sally last September. Reports at the time indicated damage was done to the surface of the bridge and showed that a crane fell on the structure and knocked away a section of the roadway. The damage occurred as FDOT was working on a $400 million replacement project for the bridge.
To quickly clear travel lanes following vehicle incidents, assist drivers in the event of mechanical breakdowns, and keep the bridge free of debris, FDOT’s Road Ranger Service Patrol will be stationed on each end of the bridge.
Consistent with the requirements within the construction contract, FDOT will continue to withhold payments of $35,000 per day until four lanes of traffic are restored to the entire southbound span of the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
FDOT is regularly reviewing the contractor’s schedule of the entire Pensacola Bay Bridge Project with the anticipated completion date for all improvements currently scheduled for January 2022.
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SOURCE: Florida DOT
