THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for the replacement of the Pensacola Bay Bridge located in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties: SR 30 (US 98) from 17th Avenue in Pensacola to Baybridge Drive in Gulf Breeze. Various alternatives and alignments will be considered to address both safety and possible capacity improvements that will tie into the existing facilities.

The Pensacola Bay Bridge crosses Pensacola Bay to connect the cities of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. This is a navigable water of the United States governed by the U.S. Coast Guard (CG) regulations. The bridge is approximately 3 miles in length and was built in 1960. The bridge is currently "Structurally Deficient", which does not pose an immediate threat to the motoring public, but does require the FDOT to plan for a replacement bridge within the next 3 to 5 years.

The general objective of the study is to provide documentation and information necessary for the FDOT to reach a decision on the feasibility, location, and conceptual design of a replacement for the existing Pensacola Bay Bridge. The factors to be considered in the analyses include: current and future traffic demand, social impacts, environmental impacts, community values, aesthetic considerations and engineering principles. Throughout the PD&E Study, a comprehensive public involvement program will provide numerous opportunities for local, state, and federal agencies and elected officials to provide valuable input into the development of the bridge replacement alternatives. In addition the general public will have opportunities to provide input through advertised public meetings, neighborhood workshops, and one-on-one contact with the PD&E Team. A project website that will provide information regarding upcoming meetings, schedules, and project documents will be available throughout the study process.

Ultimately, the findings of the PD&E study, including an environmental document required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), will be documented and submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for approval of the Location and Design Concept for the replacement bridge. Subsequent to the receipt of the FHWA's approval, the FDOT will continue forward with the production of design plans, right-of-way acquisition (if necessary) and finally, construction of the new bridge.

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