Fort Walton Beach brings back summer weekend traffic change near Perry Avenue SE
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Drivers heading through Fort Walton Beach will see a familiar summer traffic change return at one of the city’s busy access points.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day weekend, the right turn at Perry Avenue SE for northbound traffic will be closed on weekends as part of a seasonal traffic control plan. The closure affects motorists trying to turn eastbound onto U.S. Highway 98 from Perry Avenue SE to reach Brooks Bridge.
The move is aimed at easing pressure on nearby residential streets during the heavy summer travel season. City officials say the closure is meant to reduce vehicle congestion caused by drivers attempting to “cut through” neighborhoods in order to reach U.S. Highway 98 by way of Brooks Street and Perry Avenue.
For residents, the summer months often bring more traffic, more visitors and more vehicles searching for faster ways around crowded routes. By closing the turn lane on weekends, the city is trying to keep neighborhood streets from becoming alternate routes for motorists headed toward Brooks Bridge and U.S. Highway 98.
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The closure does not mean drivers are without options. Motorists who need to reach U.S. Highway 98 are encouraged to use the Eglin Parkway, or SR 85, intersection instead. That route will serve as the recommended access point while the seasonal weekend restriction is in place.
To help drivers adjust before reaching the affected area, a message board will be placed on Hollywood Boulevard. The sign will alert motorists that there is no through-traffic access to U.S. Highway 98 through the residential streets in that area.
The change is scheduled to remain in effect on weekends throughout the summer season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Drivers who regularly use Perry Avenue SE, Brooks Street or nearby neighborhood roads may want to plan ahead, especially during peak weekend travel times.
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While the closure may require some motorists to take a different path, the goal is simple: keep traffic moving more safely and smoothly, while helping protect residential streets from unnecessary congestion during one of the busiest stretches of the year.
