FDOT announced road works in and across Bay, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties this week
Destin, Florida – Drivers on Florida’s Emerald Coast’s US 98 section should be ready for possible delays as a series of road repairs and maintenance projects starts this week. Affecting daily commutes and travel plans, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has posted updates effecting routes in Bay, Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties.
Bay County is seeing a lot of development with major projects along US 98. Key areas between Louisiana Avenue and Tyndall Drive-Airey Avenue will have sporadic lane closures through August. For drainage works and road striping, the stretch from Mandy Lane to east of Nautilus Street will have alternating lane closures from August 4 to 6, mostly during overnight hours. Additionally, nighttime lane closures for asphalt paving from August 4 through August 8 will affect the portion of the Panama City Beach Parkway from the Walton County Line to Heather Drive. Due to Gulf Coast Parkway work, slated from August 5 to 10, motorists should also be cautious of a lane restriction on westbound US 98 (Tyndall Parkway) from 11th Street to Tram Road.
Walton County offers some respite to both residents and visitors by reporting a rare peaceful week free of typical interruptions connected to construction.
Several US 98 projects in Okaloosa County could slow down traffic. From the evening of August 4 to the morning of August 8, the replacement Brooks Bridge project will cause alternating lane closures from Ferry Road to Pier Road. Resurfacing efforts will span Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast, with like overnight lane closures scheduled for the same days. Also scheduled for August 2 and 5 are tree pruning activities between Mary Esther Drive and Makron Drive, most likely leading to sporadic lane closures.
US 98 from Santa Rosa County will widen from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive, causing median and turn-lane closures. These will be most effective from August 4 to 9 at evening. Notably, on August 7 a new traffic arrangement will start for westbound commuters near College Parkway, moving lanes north, and another change for eastbound traffic near Villa Woods Circle, moving lanes south.
Escambia County is construction-free for the week, therefore saving visitors any more traffic issues in this area.
Weather circumstances affect all work schedules, hence FDOT advises vehicles to use caution especially during nighttime activities. On FDOT’s website, www.nwflights.com, updated information and travel advice are available to help drivers navigating these locations.
