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:
— U.S. 98 at Hurlburt Field Main Gate Traffic Shift and Road Closure
Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes beginning at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 to allow a two-way traffic pattern to be maintained while the equipment is being positioned in the eastbound lanes.
A total road closure will begin at 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 and will reopen by 8 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 6. Message boards will be in place to guide traffic through the set detours. Local and Hurlburt Field law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
Detours during the total road closure will be as follows:
- Westbound traffic will detour onto State Road 87 to Interstate 10 (1-10), taking the ramp at Crestview to State Road 85, continuing to State Road 189, then on to State Road 393 (Mary Esther Cutoff).
- Eastbound traffic will detour onto State Road 393 (Mary Esther Cutoff), to State Road 189, then State Road 85, and to I-10, finishing on State Road 87.
— State Road 20 (John Sims Parkway) Resurfacing Project
During the week of Sunday, Oct. 30, drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures on State Road 20, from Edge Avenue to west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge, during the nighttime hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. These closures are required for milling and paving operations, median widening, and sidewalk construction.
— State Road 85 Improvements from U.S. 90 to Commerce Drive
Drivers will encounter north and southbound alternating lane closures on State Road 85 between U.S. 90 and north of Commerce Drive, Sunday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 3, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations. One travel lane will remain open at all times, and access to private property and driveways will be maintained. Additionally, intermittent outside lane closures will continue along northbound State Road 85 between U.S. 90 and Commerce Drive as crews reconstruct portions of the existing sidewalk and driveway.
— Brooks Bridge Replacement Project
Drivers may experience the following traffic impacts Sunday, Oct. 30, through Saturday, Nov. 5, 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.
— U.S. 98 Routine Bridge Maintenance over the Intracoastal Waterway and Brooks Street Overpass
Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures east of State Road 85 Sunday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine maintenance.
Walton County:
— U.S. 98 Widening from Mack Bayou Road to County Road 30A
During the week of Sunday, Oct. 30, drivers may encounter intermittent outside east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 during the overnight hours of 7:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. These closures are required as crews pave the outside shoulders.
— U.S. 98 Resurfacing Project from Village Road to East of U.S. 331
This week, drivers may encounter intermittent closures of the U.S. 98 east and westbound outside shoulders to construct a new westbound right turn lane to access Don Bishop Road, to widen existing turn lanes between Village Road and U.S. 331, and for sidewalk construction.
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.