Beach Bridge Likely To Open Late Today - Updated

Update Late afternoon rumors are that beach access will continue to be denied until Wednesday. County road crews still have not completed road clearing.

Earlier

As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the Bob Sikes Bridge to Pensacola Beach remains closed. But deputy sheriffs directing away expectant traffic say they anticipate the bridge to be opened around 4 p.m.

"We're waiting for George Tuart to inspect the bridge and give his okay," a deputy explained.

Touart is the Escambia County administrator; a politician, not an engineer. Presumably, he will be relying on the report of structural engineers.

Another deputy reported that residents may be allowed to drive to their homes at once if county road plows have cleared beach streets sufficiently. Via De Luna and Ft. Pickens Road are said to be in relatively good shape, but "a lot of sand" over-washed Ariola and Maldonado streets, he explained.