Pensacola Bay Bridge to be replaced

PENSACOLA, Fla (WALA) - Thousands of commuters cross the Pensacola Bay Bridge every day which connects Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.

But officials said the bridge, which has existed for over 50 years, is now on life support.

"It's been deemed as a structurally deficient bridge and is due for replacement. So we're looking to program construction of a new bridge scheduled for 2017," said Ian Satter with the Florida Department of Transportation.

However, officials said the biggest issue is paying for it.

The bridge's replacement will cost over $500 million.

More than $400 million will be covered by the state, leaving a little over $100 million to be picked up locally.

If it isn't done through property or sales taxes, the Florida DOT could place a toll on the bridge.

"We are conducting a toll revenue study right now to see the feasibility of the toll; how much it would have to be, and how long it would have to be in place to repay that $104 million bond," Satter said.

The idea has drawn strong reaction from many across Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.

Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson said the toll would have a large impact on the local economy.

"You have a lot of people that live in Santa Rosa and work in Escambia County. That bridge serves as the only connection for them. We need to keep that connection functioning, and it needs to continue in a free way," said Robinson.

Emory Bailes has lived in Pensacola for nearly 20 years.

He sid a toll would make him think twice before driving over the bridge.

"It's just not good I think, especially for people who live here," Bailes said.

Robinson said Escambia County has put a large amount of sales taxes into Florida's roads.

"We believe Escambia County has already put $66 million into state roads. We think that should be some credit. But, we think tolling that bridge is not an option." Robinson. said

The Florida Department of Transportation said it welcomes input from area residents on the proposed bridge replacement. There is also a survey that you can fill out.

You can find out more information on the bridge replacement and fill out the survey here.