Traffic advisory for drivers in Okaloosa, Walton this week

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.

Okaloosa County:

— State Road 20 (John Sims Parkway) Resurfacing Project
Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures from Edge Avenue to west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge Sunday, Sept. 25, through Thursday, Sept. 29, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for median widening and sidewalk construction activities.

— Brooks Bridge Replacement Project
Drivers may experience the following traffic impacts Sunday, Sept. 24 through Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform geotechnical investigations and utility work:

• U.S. 98 east and westbound alternating and intermittent lane closures between Perry Avenue and Pier Road.
• Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.
• Intermittent shoulder closures on Brooks Street, between Perry Avenue and Florida Blanca Place, and on Business Access Road.

— State Road 85 Improvements from U.S. 90 to Commerce Drive
Crews will be reconstructing portions of existing sidewalk ramps to ensure they are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant and conducting various sidewalk and drainage improvements along southbound S.R. 85 (Ferdon Blvd.) from U.S. 90 to 1st Avenue and along northbound S.R. 85 from U.S. 90 to Richbourg Lane. This work will require closures of the S.R. 85 outside lanes from Sunday, Sept. 25 through Thursday, Sept. 29, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. During the closures, drivers will be able to access side streets from the outside travel lane.

— State Road 85 Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at U.S. 98
Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Sept. 29, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for storm drain repairs.

Walton County:

— U.S. 98 Widening from Emerald Bay Drive to Tang-O-Mar Drive
Drivers will encounter intermittent and alternating east and westbound lane closures Monday, Sept. 26 through Thursday, Sept. 29, from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. These closures are required for asphalt paving, thermoplastic striping, and work list items. One travel lane in each direction will remain open at all times.

— U.S. 98 Resurfacing Project from Village Road to East of U.S. 331
Drivers may encounter intermittent closures of the U.S. 98 east and westbound outside shoulders to allow crews to widen existing turn lanes between Village Road and U.S. 331. Additionally, shoulder closures will continue as crews construct the new U.S. 98 westbound turn lane at Don Bishop Road.  The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph. The turn lane construction is expected to continue through late-September 2022.

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.