TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As demolition efforts continue on the Pensacola Bay Bridge, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) remains committed to enhancing the department’s community outreach program to keep the public informed of developments associated with the repairs of the Pensacola Bay Bridge.

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.

Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) has announced it will begin a new bus route Monday, Oct. 5 to transport passengers between Escambia County and the City of Gulf Breeze. The route will begin at the Pensacola Bay Center park and ride lot at 121 East Gregory Street and conclude at the Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Point Lane in Gulf Breeze.

After a multi-layer inspection and assessment by the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) statewide team of bridge experts, FDOT has announced that the recommended repairs to the damaged areas of the Pensacola Bay Bridge will take approximately six months to complete, weather permitting. FDOT and its partners have made the reopening of the bridge a top priority and have numerous efforts underway.