Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project to Begin January 2026

Escambia County's Construction Management Division is preparing to begin construction on the Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project, replacing the existing Bob Sikes Toll Plaza on Pensacola Beach.

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and includes demolition of the current Bob Sikes Toll Plaza to build a new toll gantry with applicable toll-by-plate equipment, CCTV cameras, and new fiber optic communications. Work also includes replacing the roadway once the existing toll booth is demolished. The new toll gantry will offer enhanced safety features, such as better access for emergency response vehicles, while also helping to reduce congestion at the entrance to Pensacola Beach.

Work is expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; however, some work may also take place at night and on weekends as needed. Drivers should use extra caution and follow road crew instructions and posted signs when traveling through the work zone. Vehicles will have access to Pensacola Beach during the work period, though lane closures and traffic detours may be in place at times.

The project is expected to be completed by summer 2026, weather permitting. If roadway closures are necessary or work is delayed, another notice will be issued.

The Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project is funded by Local Option Sales Tax, Tourist Development Tax, and Bob Sikes Toll revenue funds, with construction costs totaling $6,559,570.56. The Green-Simmons Company, Inc. is the primary contractor, and Mott MacDonald will provide construction inspection and daily monitoring for Escambia County.

For more information about this and other projects, visit MyEscambia.com/projects.