Pensacola Bay Bridge, Three-mile vehicular bridge in Pensacola, United States
The Pensacola Bay Bridge is a three-mile vehicular bridge that crosses the bay to connect downtown Pensacola with Gulf Breeze along U.S. Highway 98 in Florida. It has six lanes of traffic plus separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
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.
The bridge brings together people from both shores through organized walks and cycling events that happen regularly throughout the year. These gatherings show how much the crossing means to the local community on both sides of the water.
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.
In 2020, Hurricane Sally tore loose construction barges that smashed into the bridge, causing major damage that required millions spent on repairs. The recovery became a significant moment for the community and demonstrated how resilient the structure needed to be.
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