OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. – Drivers in Okaloosa and Walton counties may encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
In preparation for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, and ending at 12 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, the FDOT has announced.
Okaloosa County:
— State Road 20 (John Sims Parkway) Resurfacing Project
Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures on State Road 20, from Edge Avenue to west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge, Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. These closures are required for median milling, median widening, and sidewalk construction.
— State Road 85 Resurfacing from U.S. 90 to Commerce Drive
Drivers may experience north and southbound intermittent lane closures on State Road 85 between U.S. 90 and north of Commerce Drive, from Sunday, Dec. 18, through Thursday, Dec. 22, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews place thermoplastic striping and complete concrete work. At least one travel lane will remain open in each direction at all times.
— State Road 85 Resurfacing from John Sims Parkway to College Boulevard
Drivers may experience intermittent north and southbound outside lane closures on State Road 85 between State Road 20 (John Sims Parkway) and County Road (C.R.) 190 (College Boulevard), Sunday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. These closures are required for sidewalk repair and construction.
— U.S. 98 Bridge Rehabilitation over East Pass Bridge
Drivers may encounter intermittent single-lane closures on the U.S. 98 over East Pass (Marler) Bridge, westbound structure (Destin to Fort Walton Beach), Sunday, Dec. 18. through Thursday, Dec. 22, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The existing 35 mph speed limit will be maintained during construction. The closures will be in place until the project is completed in fall 2023.
Walton County:
— U.S. 98 Resurfacing Project from Village Road to East of U.S. 331
Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts Sunday, Dec. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 21:
- Intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound outside lane closures at the C.R. 393 intersection between 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. to allow crews to install roadway lighting.
- Intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound single-lane closures, from Mack Bayou Road to Village Road, between 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and resurfacing activities.
- Intermittent closures on the U.S. 98 east and westbound outside shoulders and turn lanes may be required as crews construct new sidewalks, widen existing turn lanes between Village Road and U.S. 331, and construct a new westbound right-turn lane to access Don Bishop Road.
— State Road 20 Turn Lane Construction at J. W. Hollington Road
Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures for Sunday, Dec. 18, through Thursday, Dec. 22, for paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Transportation District Three at www.nwflroads.com.