Mid-Bay Bridge closed for emergency repairs

The closure was placed after a routine inspection of the Mid Bay Bridge where FDOT inspectors found corrosion on post-tensioning tendons, a prestressed steel cable inside the bridge that reinforces concrete.

The Mid-Bay Bridge connecting Niceville and Destin closed overnight and remains closed this morning. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) closed the bridge (State Road 293) in Okaloosa County effective immediately for emergency repairs.

Temporary message boards have been placed on both ends of the bridge to alert drivers about the temporary closure. The bridge will open to traffic once repairs are complete.

The closure was placed after a routine inspection of the Mid Bay Bridge where FDOT inspectors found corrosion on post-tensioning tendons, a prestressed steel cable inside the bridge that reinforces concrete. Post-tensioning tendons are one of the internal support systems placed inside the bridge. There are multiple tendons in each span of the Mid-Bay Bridge.

The closure is a cautionary measure intended to minimize the stresses on the bridge while FDOT personnel repair the tendons. FDOT’s number one priority is the safety of the traveling public and routine bridge inspections are one tool the department uses to provide a safe and efficient transportation system.

The Mid-Bay Bridge, a 3.6-mile two lane toll bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay, was built in 1993 and averages 22,000 vehicles per day.

Planned activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.