Road work, lane closures this week on state roads in Okaloosa and Walton

NORTHWEST FLORIDA – Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions this week on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Okaloosa County:

− State Road (S.R.) 85 Traffic Signal Installation at the Auburn Road Intersection
The new traffic signal will become fully operational at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8. In addition, motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. the week of Monday, March 7 as crews perform work associated with the new traffic signal.

− S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive
The week of Sunday, March 6, drivers will encounter the following intermittent, temporary lane closures on S.R.85 between S.R. 123 and Shoal River Bridge:

• S.R. 85 southbound lane closures will occur between 10 a.m. and 5 a.m. o S.R. 85 northbound lane closures will occur between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.

− S.R. 397 (W John Sims Parkway) Routine Utility Maintenance near Government Avenue
Motorists can expect lane closures between Government Avenue and Edge Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6 through Thursday, March 10 as crews perform utility maintenance.

− Lewis Turner Boulevard (S.R. 189) Turn Lane Construction Between Judge Maney Way and Roberts Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach
Motorists can expect intermittent inside northbound lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, March 7 through Thursday, March 24 as crews perform paving operations.

Walton County:

− U.S. 98 Pedestrian Underpass at Inlet Beach
Crews will begin removing sheet pile between the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, March 6. The operation may will create noise and vibration for nearby residents and commercial property owners.

− S.R. 20 Bridge Rehabilitation over Black Creek
Drivers may encounter periodic lane restrictions during daytime hours as crews make improvements. There will be no lane restrictions from Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 27. Motorists are reminded to watch for construction equipment and workers entering and exiting the work zone.

− U.S. 98 Widening from Emerald Bay Drive to Tang-O-Mar Drive
The week of Sunday, March 6, drivers will encounter a new U.S. 98 east and west-bound traffic pattern between Emerald Bay Drive and Tang-O-Mar Drive. All traffic will be shifted to inside and center travel lanes. There will be a dedicated work zone, delineated by orange traffic barrels, on the outside of the roadway. This configuration is expected to be in place throughout the spring.

− S.R. 20 Routine Bridge Inspection over Choctawhatchee River
Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures one mile west of S.R. 79 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, March 7 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection. 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 on the web at www.nwflroads.com.