In 2025, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched a $350 million initiative to replace the aging DuPont Bridge in Bay County. Originally opened in 1965, the four-lane structure spans East Bay and serves as a critical connection between eastern Bay County and Tyndall Air Force Base. Routine inspections revealed the bridge was nearing the end of its design life—requiring increasing maintenance, lacking shoulders, and offering no facilities for pedestrians or cyclists. It also failed to meet the U.S. Coast Guard’s vertical clearance requirements for structures over the Intracoastal Waterway.
The replacement bridge will improve safety, increase functionality, and provide multimodal access, all while aligning with FDOT’s goals for a more sustainable and resilient transportation network.
As FDOT’s public information consultant, ABC Group leads communications efforts to keep the roughly 20,000 daily users informed throughout construction. These include civilian and military personnel commuting to Tyndall Air Force Base, Bay County’s largest employer, and others relying on U.S. 98 as a major east-west corridor. Given the secure and strategic nature of the area, clear, consistent, and proactive communication is essential.
To initiate engagement, ABC Group collaborated with FDOT and the Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) consultant to develop and facilitate a high-level presentation for base leadership. This approach created a meaningful opportunity for early feedback, built trust, and aligned stakeholder expectations. Our team also produced impactful graphics to clarify complex technical details and support interactive dialogue.
Through this public information program, ABC Group empowers stakeholders to make informed travel decisions and helps minimize disruptions to base operations. By combining technical insight with strategic communication, we support FDOT in delivering an infrastructure project that is not only future-ready but also community-focused and mission-aligned.
