Escambia County’s Public Works Department recently began construction on more than $430,000 in roadway improvements designed to enhance traffic flow and address safety concerns for pedestrians. Drivers may have noticed the extension of the fourth lane leading to and coming from the toll plaza. This extension provides a dedicated lane from the foot of the Bob Sikes Bridge on the north side of the plaza to approximately the water tanks and the south side of the plaza, giving vehicles more time to merge in and out of traffic.

More than 88,000 vehicles traveled through the Bob Sikes Toll Facility over the Memorial Day weekend - an increase of almost 1,500 over last year - without significant traffic slowdowns, thanks in part to the recently completed portions of the improvements.

This week, work will shift to the eastern side of the roadway.

Upcoming improvements include:
• Lengthening the eastern transponder beach pass lane from the foot of the bridge.
• Extending the turning lane into The Grand Marlin restaurant and bridge fishing pier on the south side of the toll plaza to provide more room for vehicles to stack up.
• Enlarging the right turn lane on the northbound side of Pensacola Beach Boulevard to improve access to the bridge fishing pier and The Grand Marlin.