Pensacola’s Ambitious Infrastructure Plans: A Major Makeover for Cervantes Street and More
On Monday, February 19, Pensacola made headlines as the city seeks federal grants to revamp Cervantes Street and enhance connectivity in the area surrounding the old Baptist Hospital property. With significant federal funding opportunities on the horizon, Pensacola is poised to make substantial improvements to its infrastructure, aiming to create a more pedestrian-friendly and accessible urban environment.
A Vision for Cervantes Street
The centerpiece of Pensacola’s grant applications is the proposed "wholesale reconstruction" of Cervantes Street, a vital thoroughfare that stretches 3.5 miles from the city limits near W Street to the Bayou Texar bridge. The city is requesting $4 million to fund the design work necessary for this ambitious project, which aims to transform Cervantes into a "complete street." This concept emphasizes accommodating all modes of transportation, including cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, thereby enhancing mobility for everyone.
Caitlin Cerame, a transportation planner for Pensacola, highlighted the importance of this project, stating, "This is an opportunity to apply for the design money that we would need to explore those desires further and really see what type of reconfiguration of that street would work." The project has been on the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Board’s priority list for years, but its current position suggests it could take a decade or more to secure state funding. The federal grants present a timely opportunity to expedite the design phase.
Learning from the Past
The need for improvements on Cervantes Street has been underscored by past tragedies. In 2019, a pedestrian safety project was initiated after a woman and her infant were killed in a hit-and-run incident. The $7 million project, which focused on the western portion of the street, faced controversy due to the installation of pedestrian barriers that many residents and business owners found unappealing. However, modifications were made to enhance pedestrian crossings, and the project was completed in 2022.
As Pensacola moves forward with its plans, Cerame noted that it is still too early to determine how the previous project will influence the new design. The goal is to create a cohesive and functional street that prioritizes safety and accessibility for all users.
Reconnecting the Community
In addition to the Cervantes Street project, Pensacola is also seeking $850,000 to design plans for reconnecting the street grid on the old Baptist Hospital campus. This initiative aims to reimagine the main connector road on E Street and other surrounding streets, such as Moreno and Avery. Cerame emphasized the need for a fresh perspective on these streets, stating, "The streets haven’t really been touched in years. So how do we look at them again through a new lens and try to include mobility for all users?"
The revitalization of this area includes plans for a new city park surrounding the historic Kuprfrian House, with potential ideas for a greenway along Moreno Street leading to the park. This holistic approach to urban planning aims to foster community engagement and promote a healthier lifestyle through improved pedestrian and bike access.
Funding and Future Steps
Both grant applications focus solely on funding the engineering and design work necessary to prepare these projects for construction. The city will need to secure additional funding for the actual construction phase once the designs are finalized. The grants are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, which has allocated $1.5 billion nationwide for transportation infrastructure projects that face challenges under traditional funding mechanisms.
Pensacola has until February 28 to submit its grant applications, with the Department of Transportation expected to announce grant awards by June 27. The City Council is set to vote next week on officially endorsing these projects, marking a significant step toward realizing Pensacola’s vision for a more connected and accessible community.
Conclusion
As Pensacola seeks to secure federal funding for these transformative infrastructure projects, the city stands at a pivotal moment in its development. The proposed redesign of Cervantes Street and the reconnection of the old Baptist Hospital campus represent not just physical improvements but a commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment. With the right support and funding, Pensacola could set a precedent for how cities can adapt to the needs of their residents while enhancing safety and mobility for all.