FDOT set to replace U.S. 90 Chipola River Bridge in Jackson County

MARIANNA, Fla. (WMBB) — A crucial bridge that runs through the heart of Marianna has come to the end of its life span. The Florida Department of Transportation will be replacing the Chipola River Bridge on Highway 90.

The project is in its design phase. Jackson County residents had the opportunity to see what the end result of the bridge will look like during Tuesday’s DOT meeting.

“It’ll feature a sidewalk on one side and a multi-use path on the other. The lanes will also be wider,” Florida Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Lindsey Harrell said.

While the bridge is still safe to travel on, Harrell says they have to be proactive and replace it sooner than later.

“We want to make sure that we get the new bridge designed and put up in time so that when it is the end of the current bridge’s life we have a new one in place and ready to go,” Harrell said.

Harrell adds construction shouldn’t have a drastic impact on resident’s daily commutes.

“This construction would include what’s called an acrow bridge, which is a temporary bridge to divert traffic to while the bridge is being replaced. We’re going to be able to maintain the flow of traffic, one lane in each direction, on US-90, and of course, access to businesses and homes are always maintained during our construction,” Harrell said.

Marianna City Manager William Long says he’s excited for the upgrade and wishes construction could start sooner.

“This is an exciting time for us because this will be a once in a 50-year long span that we will get a new bridge…We just wish it was going to be next year instead of a few years down the road, but we’re pleased that it’s coming.

The U.S. 90 bridge replacement project will go out to bid mid 2026. It’s expected to cost about $36 million.

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