Traffic advisory includes lane closures on SR 85, SR 20, U.S. 331

NORTHWEST FLORIDA – Motorists will encounter traffic disruptions 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
Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. the week of Monday, Feb. 28 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, Feb. 27, drivers will encounter intermittent, temporary S.R. 85 southbound lane closures between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. to allow crews to place asphalt. One travel lane will remain open at all times and access to private property and driveways will be maintained.

− U.S. 98 Routine Utility Maintenance Between Mary Esther Cutoff (S.R. 393) and Doolittle Boulevard in Mary Esther
Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25 through Monday, Feb. 28, as utility crews continue maintenance operations.

− S.R. 85 Routine Utility Maintenance at Aplin Road
The northbound outside lane will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28 through Thursday, March 3 as utility crews perform operations on power lines and poles.

− 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. Monday, Feb. 28 through Thursday, March 10 as crews perform utility maintenance.

Walton County:

− U.S. 331 Turn Lane Construction Between Sparkleberry Lane and Old Jolly Bay Road
Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 28 and Tuesday, March 1 as crews complete turn lane construction.

− U.S. 98 Pedestrian Underpass at Inlet Beach
Nighttime sheet pile removal will begin from 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Sunday, Feb. 27, which 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 until Sunday, March 27. Motorists are reminded to watch for construction equipment and workers entering and exiting the work zone. The project is estimated for completion in early spring 2022.

— U.S. 98 Widening from Emerald Bay Drive to Tang-O-Mar Drive
Next week, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic impacts: o Daytime paving operations will take place in the median crossovers at intersections and side streets on U.S. 98, between Emerald Bay Drive and Tang-O-Mar Drive. Drivers may encounter temporary closures on inside travel lanes, inside turn lanes, and median crossovers. During the closures, drivers will be restricted to right turn only from side streets and driveways and may need to proceed to the next open intersection to make a U-turn. This work is expected to be complete late-February.

• Nighttime asphalt paving work will require intermittent, temporary lane closures on U.S. 98, between Emerald Bay Drive and Tang-O-Mar Drive, between 8:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The closures are required for asphalt paving.
• Additionally, motorists are reminded that U.S. 98 westbound lanes between Forest Shore Drive and Tang-O-Mar Drive were shifted to the new westbound outside lanes. The traffic shift allows crews to construct the new inside travel lanes, median, and turn lanes.

The following restrictions will be in place during this phase of work:

• Only right turns allowed from side streets and driveways.
• Pedestrians routed to the newly constructed sidewalks located on the north and south side of the roadway between Emerald Bay Drive and Tang-O-Mar Drive.

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 http://www.nwflroads.com.