FDOT: Pensacola Bay Bridge Repair Update October 2020

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its partners have made the reopening of the Pensacola Bay Bridge a top priority. The bridge sustained significant damage on September 16 when high winds and seas associated with Hurricane Sally caused construction barges to break free of their moorings and strike the bridge. 
 
FDOT has announced that the recommended repairs to the bridge are scheduled for completion in early March 2021. Once repairs are complete, all four lanes will be open. The department will be conducting reviews to ensure the contractor is meeting milestones in the established schedule.
 
The following activities are complete: 

• Bridge pier surveys.
• Selected topside bridge inspections.
• Removal of three of the four barges from under the bridge.
• Fabrication of twenty-five concrete beams.

Here is a look at the schedule for the repair program.

Projected Repair Timeline

While the bridge is closed, drivers should use State Road (S.R.) 281/Garcon Point Bridge (I-10/Exit 22), and S.R. 87 (I-10, Exit 31) as detour routes.
 
FDOT, in partnership with Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT), has established a free bus service between Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Gulf Breeze. The bus service will help relieve traffic congestion on the S.R. 281/Garcon Point Bridge detour.
 
The service begins at the ECAT Transfer Center, located at 1515 W. Fairfield Drive, at 6 a.m. and ends at Palm Beach Club, located on Pensacola Beach, with the last stop at 8:50 p.m.
 
The route from Pensacola Beach starts at Pensacola Beach Club at 6:05 a.m. and ends at the Pensacola Bay Center at 8:20 p.m. Buses will stop at Tiger Point Community Center, Gulf Breeze Hospital, the Boardwalk, and the Palm Beach Club. The route is approximately 43 miles, and riders should expect a trip of approximately one hour.
 
Bus fares remain suspended because of damage to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The pick-up and drop-off locations for the free service are: 

Additional details, including bus times and schedules, are available at www.GoECAT.com.
 
FDOT is exploring alternative transportation solutions for safely and efficiently moving people and goods through the region while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired. The department is also assisting local governments as they apply for emergency Federal relief funds.

Barge Recovery Update

Marine Traffic Advisory- 500-yard buffer

The U.S. Coast Guard has established a 500-yard buffer zone that encompasses all Pensacola Bay Bridge construction activities. Vessels may use only low or idle speeds within the buffer zone. 
 
Due to the potential for underwater hazards, boaters are advised to use caution near the bridge. The navigational channel has been inspected and is free of hazards. For this reason, crossing beneath the bridge should be done ONLY at the navigational channel.

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