May 28, 2021
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is now open for the first time since it was damaged by Skanska barges during Hurricane Sally, restoring the vital connection between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.
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.
To quickly clear travel lanes following vehicle incidents FDOT’s Road Ranger Service Patrol will be stationed on each end of the bridge from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends and major holidays. At other times, at least one unit will be on-call and available. Law enforcement will also be on-site 24-hours a day on both ends of the bridge to alert drivers about the temporary restrictions.
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After eight months the link between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze is finally ready to open
The big question around the area is: When will the 3-Mile Bridge be open?
“We don’t have a specific time for when the bridge will open,” said Ian Satter, spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation. He says there is still some work to do before the bridge can be open to traffic.
“Right now we are finishing our critical path items for the reopening of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. And what we mean by that is making sure that the appropriate signage is out there, making sure that the striping is complete, making sure that the work zone is still secure because it still is an active work zone. So all of those efforts are going on as we speak.”
Garcon Point Bridge toll suspension further extended
Special to Gannett/USA TODAY NETWORK
TALLAHASSEE Pursuant to Executive Order 21-104, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. has directed Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) to further extend the toll suspension for the Garcon Point Bridge.
Tolls are now suspended on the Garcon Point Bridge through Sunday, June 6, 2021.
The extension allows the Garcon Point Bridge to continue serving as a temporary detour route while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is being repaired from damage sustained during Hurricane Sally.
Details on the detour routes, including graphics, FAQs, and regular updates can be found online at fdot.gov/PensacolaBay. Members of the public wishing to receive these updates can choose to subscribe by providing their email address on this website as well.