Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements - Phase II

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 once the consultant has reviewed and modified the County provided rendering into a buildable product. The architectural design will have to compliment tolling and CCTV equipment while screening the toll by plate equipment as much as possible while still allowing functionality and maintenance of said equipment. An architectural pleasing toll equipment building or equipment cabinet and a ITS Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) should be included to blend into the surroundings both logistically and aesthetically while meeting Florida building Code and floodplain elevation requirements. Once the design concept is settled upon, the Consultant will provide an online portal to introduce the public to the concept and to receive online comments.

Roadway Improvements: Roadway improvements associated with the gateway and toll system design should result in a reduction in travel lanes in the vicinity of the existing toll plaza. The intent of the design is two (2) southbound travel lanes in the proposed condition and an emergency lane for a total of 3 tolled lanes. Geometric design of the travel lanes to remain should consider the gateway design and tolling needs. Roadway improvements shall meet the latest version of the FDOT Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Street and Highways (Florida Greenbook), the Escambia County Technical Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (County Specs), and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Latest edition for ADA requirements. Pavement design shall be provided in conjunction with the proposed tolling location and where pavement does not currently exist, if applicable. Milling and resurfacing, stormwater design, utility relocation, and signing & pavement marking design will be required as applicable. Barrier walls, guardrail, and curbing should be considered where necessary for existing and proposed elements located within the clear zone. Creative ways to utilize existing pavement for roadway improvements should be considered in order to minimize project costs. Maintenance of traffic (MOT) design phasing shall be provided, which minimizes traffic disruption during peak travel times and special events. The consultant shall indicate appropriate MOT limitations in the plans.

Additive Design Alternate:

Landscaping & Shared Multi-Use Path: A shared-use pathway shall be designed from the south end of the Bob Sikes Bridge to the beginning of the existing shared-use pathway which officially begins near the existing toll plaza. Landscaping plans for the roadway from the Bob Sikes Bridge to the southern limits of the project shall include all necessary plantings, grassing, lighting, irrigation, etc. to complement the newly separated multi-use trail and the new aesthetically pleasing gateway arch.

Please make note of the Timeline and ensure your firm is able to meet the dates on timeline when submitting. The dates are definite, and we must keep the proposed timeline to meet the County's required deadline.