Retiring the "Can Opener": Fences Go Up for Graffiti Bridge's $1.58M upgrade

When I headed out to the 17th Avenue boat launch this morning to snap photos for our weekly Graffiti Bridge piece, I was greeted by an unexpected sight: construction fencing had gone up around the parking lot.

(Photo Credit: Pepper)

I immediately reached out to Shannon Nickinson, the Public Information Officer for the City of Pensacola, to get official details on the sudden activity. As of publication time, I haven't received a response. However, recent City Council action gives us a clear picture of what is happening behind those fences.

(Photo Credit: Pepper)

Following a unanimous vote by the Pensacola City Council, a $1.58 million contract was awarded to Loftis Marine LLC to execute a comprehensive overhaul of the north end of Wayside Park.

(Photo Credit: Pepper)

Facing a year-end federal deadline to spend the money, the city directed those funds toward these long-awaited waterfront improvements.

The fencing marks the start of a major transformation for the area around the railroad trestle:

(Photo Credit: Graffiti Bridge FB Page)

The main feature of the project is a dedicated pathway that will run through the parking lot, pass safely underneath the railroad trestle, and loop around on a brand-new boardwalk. This eliminates the dangerous choice pedestrians currently face between running across 17th Avenue traffic or walking along active train tracks.

(Photo Credit: Graffiti Bridge FB Page)

To make room for the new layout, crews will demolish the existing deteriorated boardwalk on the north side, as well as the old dock and gazebo.

The current parking area, which was originally paved over raw dirt without a proper structural base will undergo a complete tear-out and rebuild.

(Photo Credit: Pepper)

An overhead laser detection system set at the bridge's 10-foot clearance will trigger flashing warning lights to catch driver attention before an overheight truck hits the bridge.

For local officials and residents, seeing equipment on site is a major milestone. Discussions about a safe pedestrian path under the bridge date back nearly a decade to the Hayward administration, when an earlier attempt was halted due to issues with CSX. City leaders have pushed for a solution for years, making this week's progress a significant moment for the community.

(Photo Credit: Pepper)

Work is expected to move rapidly now that the contract is executed and staging is underway. Pensacola Citizen will continue to track the site closely for our weekly bridge updates and will share any additional comments from the city as soon as they respond.

(Thumbnail Photo Credit: Graffiti Bridge FB Page)