Major Highway Change for Destin-Bound Travelers

If you are headed to Destin this summer, there’s a major change in your route to the beach. The long-awaited Mid-Bay Bridge Connector is complete, allowing you to bypass Niceville and avoid 14(!) traffic signals.

• The new controlled access highway connects the north end of the Mid-Bay Bridge with SR 85 immediately north of Niceville.  The connector dramatically reduces the time required to drive from the interstate to points throughout the region. 

• But vacationers be warned – the state of Florida is using a toll-by-plate collection system on this new highway.  The toll collection method takes a photo of your vehicle’s license plate as it travels through the connector.  There’s no stopping – signs warn you to keep moving.  

• Signs also now warn that there is a monthly administrative charge of $2.50 per billing cycle. The base toll for a regular vehicle is $1.50. This means if you travel both ways in one month, you will receive a bill in the mail for $5.50 from the state of Florida. 

• This toll-by-plate system upset some travelers when the connector opened earlier this year.  According to an article in the Northwest Florida Daily News, Mid-Bay Bridge Authority Executive Director Jim Vest says the administrative charge is decreed by the Florida Turnpike System.  “It’s $2.50 a month to send you an invoice, whether you went through the toll once or 20 times,” Vest said. 

• You can avoid the administrative charge. Drivers can create a prepaid account with toll-by-plate. For more information, go to tollbyplate.com.

• Even with the extra charge, the connector is expected to be worth it, especially on Saturdays when vacationers are oh-so-close to Destin. During the busy summer months, it will cut several minutes off your travels to the beach since you are avoiding the bumper-to-bumper traffic on John Sims Parkway/SR 20 and those 14 traffic lights!

Are you traveling this weekend?  Don’t forget to visit us at iLoveDestin.com for your resource for lodging, restaurants, or activities.  

Safe Travels & Happy Memorial Day!

Kendra Veach

Tagged Destin, Destin happenings, traveling to Destin