Prettiest road in the Panhandle is now open again

[beachmouse]

After being shut down essentially since Hurricane Ivan, the coast road between Navarre Beach and Penacola Beach (aka FL-399 aka J.Earle Bowden aka that road through Gulf Islands NS) reopened on Friday. Seven miles of tarmac along a relatively pristine barrier island through only sand dunes and sea oats and, even though they couldn't get all the bits of the old road up without damaging the island, it's still pretty much as beautiful as it was before Ivan.

Granted, it's a bit of a trip from SoWal, but well worth a lazy afternoon's trip out and back.

And Pensacola Beach finally seems to be getting back to where it was, provided you don't remember how many of the now vacant lots used to have houses on them.


http://www.wkrg.com/environmental/article/hurricane_damaged_road_re-opens/24188/

J. Earle Bowden Way reopens | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

 

[Kurt]

I have missed that drive. I bet there are a lot of flat places now.

 

[BeachbumAggie]

Stopping thru Pensacola became part of our tradition a few years ago, I'm so excited that we can drive all the way down again!

 

[Teresa]

now this is great news. such a beautiful stretch of nothing but beautiful national seashore preserve.

from National Park Service

Bowden Way Reopens on Santa Rosa Island

Date: March 5, 2009
Contact: Nina Kelson, 850-934-2606
Contact: Tommie Speights (FDOT), 850-638-0250

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has advised that effective on Friday, March 6, J. Earle Bowden Way, the National Park Service road connecting Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, can be opened to vehicular traffic. Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced today that the gates will be open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Eubanks said, “It has been a long time coming and we are thrilled to have this roadway reopened to serve park visitors and the local communities.” FDOT District Secretary Larry Kelley said FDOT is proud to have played a role in the reconstruction of this major tourist route. “It is truly a pleasure to have this long awaited connection reestablished and to reopen this scenic route on Santa Rosa Island.”

An official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, sponsored by the National Park Service, the Pensacola Beach Chamber, the Navarre Beach Chamber, and the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Opal Beach Area. All are invited to attend to officially celebrate this important occasion. Elected officials, representatives from the Federal Highway Administration, Florida Department of Transportation, the National Park Service and community leaders will be there to commemorate the reopening of this roadway.

Portions of J. Earle Bowden Way were destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in the summer of 2004. The project was halted before completion as a result of Tropical Storm Arlene, Hurricane Cindy, and Hurricane Dennis in 2005, all of which resulted in damage to the newly completed and in-progress roadwork.

The public should be aware of the following information:
? The roadway does not have a “finished” appearance since costs were held to a minimum in repairing the surface.
? The speed limit is permanently reduced to 35 MPH. Due to the surface design, the roadway cannot safely accommodate highway speeds. In addition, the lower speed will help to extend the life of the roadway since lower cost design standards were used.
? The Seashore recently began construction and repair to the Opal Beach Day Use facilities. While these facilities are not open at this time, by late April/early May a portion will be reopened for public use and the Seashore does plan to have lifeguards at the Opal Beach Area this summer. Work on the eastern-most cluster of facilities is in progress and moving to the west; sections will be reopened as construction is completed.
? Visitors are reminded that there is some storm-related debris in the area and on-going construction so footwear is strongly recommended while walking on the beach or wading in the water.

For additional information about Gulf Islands National Seashore projects and programs contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at 850-934-2600 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.​

 

[DuneLaker]

Texas to SoWal

Stopping thru Pensacola became part of our tradition a few years ago, I'm so excited that we can drive all the way down again!

That is a great drive from Texas to SoWal.

 

[DD]

That is a great drive from Texas to SoWal.

I think I must do this next month.

 

[Will B]

Woo Hoo!!! I've been calling every spring and fall checking each time I come down for bike rallys. The last time I called the opening had been put off due to turtle nesting season. It's a great day!

 

[biddieann]

I have missed that drive. I bet there are a lot of flat places now.

it's still beautiful, come on down.

 

[DuneLaker]

110 to I-10

I think I must do this next month.

On your way from Texas to SoWal, the construction of the 110 exit/entrance to I-10 is pretty much complete. Quick way to get from Interstate 10 to Pensacola historic district to Highway 98 route along beach. Last time I went that way, there was still some construction along 110. No toll, btw. There are lights and rush time work/school/militry traffic along 98. But, the scenic benefits along this reopening of beach road, makes it worthwhile. The time of day I went, I did not experience any delays. I need a road trip that way this month or next. Will let you know. Major holiday traffic(July 4th, Memorial Day,Labor Day, etc.) will require extra consideration. We usually make it between SoWal and Houston in 10 hours and SoWal and Dallas about 12 hours. It is a pretty way to travel along Northwest Florida and see the beauty along the Emerald Coast.

 

[DD]

Yep, it takes me 12 hours, give or take. I-10 is always under construction--has been for YEARS, LOL! We always come through Pensacola, FWB and Destin. Old habits die hard. I don't think it takes much longer than going I-10 all the way to 33l--even with all the lights. Can't wait to do this. Thank goodness Sunkist will be with me and she's always up for a new route.