Pensacola Bay Bridge, Three-mile vehicular bridge in Pensacola, United States

The Pensacola Bay Bridge, known locally as the Three-Mile Bridge, carries six lanes of U.S. Highway 98 across Pensacola Bay between downtown Pensacola and Gulf Breeze. Its deck of dark grey asphalt is marked by broken white lane lines, a solid white edge line beside a low concrete barrier, and a taller concrete median barrier dividing the two directions. Tall metal light poles with curved arms line the right edge and recede toward a flat horizon.

The original Thomas A. Johnson Bridge opened in 1931 as a two-lane toll structure before being replaced in 1960 by the Sen. Philip D. Beall Sr. Bridge. The new design could handle much more traffic and supported the growing movement of people between the two communities.

Locals call it the Three-Mile Bridge, and the structure is dedicated to General Daniel James Jr., a Pensacola-born fighter pilot. The first unofficial crossing of the pedestrian walkway came on August 13, 2020, when brothers Joe and Steve Evans biked across in about 15 minutes each way.

You can walk or bike across on designated paths, though the bridge is designed mainly for cars. Plan your crossing during good weather, as strong winds or storms can make the journey uncomfortable.

The bridge is dedicated to General Daniel James Jr., a Pensacola-born fighter pilot. During Hurricane Sally in September 2020, a barge lodged under the span and a crane was blown onto it, knocking almost the entire span into the bay. The first span reopened on May 28, 2021, and the new westbound bridge opened in early 2023.