PENSACOLA — The Florida Department of Transportation has launched an $89 million maintenance and repair program for the Pensacola Bay Bridge, two years after the 3-mile span’s $398 million replacement was completed in 2021 following Hurricane Sally damage.
FDOT District 3 officials said the repair program addresses concrete spalling, expansion joint deterioration, and electrical systems upgrades across both spans of the parallel bridge structure, which carries U.S. Highway 98 between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.
Contractor Hubbard Construction Company of Orlando began mobilization last week and expects to complete all work by December 2027. The contract covers both the main 26-span high-level bridge and the lower-profile western approach spans.
“These are routine but essential maintenance items for a bridge of this age and complexity,” said FDOT District 3 Operations Engineer Sandra Thibodeau. “We’re addressing them proactively before they become larger structural issues.”
Traffic will be maintained in both directions throughout the repair program, with work crews limited to nighttime shifts for activities requiring lane closures. FDOT said no full closures of the bridge are anticipated.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is the only fixed crossing between Escambia County and Santa Rosa County along this corridor, handling an average of 55,000 vehicles daily.
Santa Rosa County Commissioner Bob Cole said the maintenance work has been on the county’s radar since the replacement bridge opened. “We fought hard to get the replacement bridge built. Now we need to make sure we take care of it,” Cole said.
Author: Construction FL News
The FLORIDA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionflnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florida and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florida Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Shutts & Bowen LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.