Westbound Bridge Opening

On Wednesday, December 12, 2007, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new westbound I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge. Florida Governor Charlie Crist, FDOT Secretary Stephanie C. Kopelousos, Representative Dave Murzin, Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman John Broxson, and Escambia County Commission Chairman Mike Whitehead participated in the ceremony.

The focus of the ceremony was on recovery from Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, healing, bringing together of communities, and economic development that the new bridge represents.

The opening of the new Westbound I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge marks more than a milestone of recovery from Hurricane Ivan; it also memorializes the life of David Bogan, the initial FDOT Project Manager for the project. Bogan's life and dedication to his work were honored at the opening ceremony for the new I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge, now known as the David Bogan Bridge. Bogan, a long-time resident of Pensacola, was named FDOT Project Manager for the reconstruction of the I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge in 2004. In 2005, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, which forced him to step down from his position. When he passed away on Feb. 21, 2007, the FDOT, where he had worked for nearly two decades, wanted to honor him for his devotion to the bridge project.

In memory of Bogan and to celebrate his commitment to FDOT, the new I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge has been named the David Bogan Bridge. A gold sign depicting his name was mounted on the side of the bridge to commemorate him. Additionally, the artificial reef constructed from the old bridges' debris has been named the David Bogan Reef as a way to remember his dedication to the bridge and his love for the Bay.

Progress last updated on April 3, 2008.