Gulf Island National Seashore reopens roads
Friday morning traffic returned to normal in most parts of the National Seashore.
Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced Friday that both J. Earle Bowden Way (the National Seashore road connecting Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach) and Perdido Key Road reopened to vehicular traffic at 8 a.m.
Both of these roadways were closed last week as a result of Tropical Storm Ida. Visitors need to be aware that there is some damage on J. Earle Bowden Way, primarily on the north side of the roadway, which will be addressed later.
For safety purposes, bike lanes and shoulders will be closed as designated.
“While we feel we can safely allow vehicular traffic now, there are drops offs and damage to the bike lane on J. Earle Bowden Way which have been marked by cones and barrels, Eubanks said. “The Seashore is seeking emergency federal funding from the Federal Highway Administration for sand removal and to complete other necessary repairs. Some restriction to roadway travel will likely be necessary at a later date to accommodate the repair work.”
Shoulder damage did not occur on Perdido Key Road.
- For updates call the Road Information Line at 850-934-2656.
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.
