Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements - Phase II

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 will piggy-back a new tolling system structure (Phase I) that is currently being designed by Jacobs Engineering. The selected Consultant must coordinate and collaborate with Jacobs Engineering to ensure the final products aligns with Phase 1 and protects the integrity of the County’s overall goals and objectives. The new gateway should include a welcome structure, new landscaping, new shared multi-use path, 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 two (2) main components and an additive design alternate:Main Components:Gateway Design: The project includes, but is not limited to, a gateway/signage structure, site/area lighting, pavement markings, ADA upgrades, etc. The gateway design will start with a concept design rendering by Escambia County. Design should consider maintainability and meet all applicable state and local codes and standards.   The County will select a final concept for consultant design based on technical requirements