Parsons Brinckerhoff Joins Skanska’s $399M Bridge Contract

By Robert Demeter

Rendering of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge

Pensacola, Fla.—WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff was recently selected by of the Florida Department of Transportation to design the new $399 million bridge in Pensacola as part of a design-build contract with Skanska. The project includes design and construction plans to completely rebuild the existing 3-mile-long bridge known as the Three-Mile Bridge that links Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.

The development will include shared-use paths on the outside of each bridge, reconstruction of the bridge approaches and improvements to public facilities in the Gulf Breeze Wayside Park. The upgrade aims to increase the bridge’s capacity, as well as driver, cycling and pedestrian safety.

In terms of design, the bridge will feature a wishbone tied arch main span, with the arches built to provide a durable, easily maintained structure. Lighting, railings, surface finishes and other details will highlight the bridge.

Completed in 1960, the Three-Mile Bridge currently carries four lanes of U.S. Highway 98 across Pensacola Bay. The bridge was deemed structurally deficient in 2010 and a deadline of six years was established for its replacement. Renovations are expected to commence in the spring of 2017, with completion scheduled for the summer of 2020.

Photo courtesy of Skanska