Design Services for the Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project

Description

The Escambia County Engineering Department, in collaboration with the Santa Rosa Island Authority, requests 100% construction plans to be developed for an improved northern gateway to Pensacola Beach. The new gateway design should include a welcome structure with an electronic toll system, new landscaping, and pavement improvements to be located between the south end of the Bob Sikes Bridge and the north end of the ECUA water storage tanks. The existing toll booth facility visually cues motorists to stop in spite of the signage to the contrary increasing traffic congestion. These changes seek to improve traffic efficiency entering the island while collecting the toll and providing an aesthetic greeting to keep tourism thriving on Pensacola Beach. The 2023 Summer Tourist Season saw 8 of the top 25 highest recorded vehicle count days since recording began in 2016.  In 2024, 16 of the top 25 highest recorded vehicle count days were recorded.  The increase during the 2024 season demonstrates the project need. The project design will include three (3) main components:Gateway Design: The gateway design will start with a concepting phase which seeks to gain stakeholder feedback and ultimate selection of a preferred design.  The consultant shall provide two (2) engagement meetings with the public and stakeholders.  The first engagement meeting shall be workshop-style and present visual preference ideas in order to solicit further ideas and feedback regarding the gateway design. This includes, but is not limited to, a gateway/signage structure, site/area lighting, pavement markings, ADA upgrades, landscaping, etc.  Utilizing input from the meeting, the consultant shall produce three (3) concepts which will be presented at a second stakeholder engagement meeting for final input. Concept themes should be thoughtful and consider visual cues that reflect the local past, present,