Traffic

Aerial photos show height difference between old and new Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach

New bridge will stand 65 feet above Santa Rosa Sound, providing increased clearance for vessels passing beneath.

Jared Williams

The new Brooks Bridge will stand 65 feet above the Santa Rosa Sound, 15 feet taller than the existing bridge.

A recent aerial photo shows the difference in height between the old bridge and roadway and the new westbound structure currently under construction on Okaloosa Island.

The increased height will provide greater clearance for vessels passing beneath the bridge connecting Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island.

The $171-million Brooks Bridge replacement project includes constructing two new, parallel bridge structures that will increase capacity to six travel lanes. The current bridge, which opened in 1966, has four lanes.

The Florida Department of Transportation is overseeing the project.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Traffic

Temporary nighttime traffic shift coming to Brooks Bridge this week

Traffic

Brooks Bridge completion now expected in early 2029, with major traffic shifts coming this fall

Traffic

Brooks Street opens to two-way traffic in Fort Walton Beach as part of bridge replacement project

Traffic

New Brooks Bridge to feature 12-foot shared path with seating areas

W Taylor commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“A VAT. What a concept. Then you're only taxed if you spend money. What a great idea!”

Respond

Amanda Talley commented on Bridgeway Center breaks ground on 72-unit affordable housing project in Fort Walton Beach

“I’m so sorry the system is failing the ones who need it most. Contact your local senator asap and tell them your situation and all the places you’ve contacted. Also...”

Catherine commented on Okaloosa School Board breaks down how school district millage rates are set

“In 7 years, the assessed value of my own home has nearly doubled. They are making more money even if mil rate stays same or decreases .05 as it is...”

Kirk commented on Okaloosa School Board breaks down how school district millage rates are set

“What about their own healthcare center that is being paid for by tax dollars? The new one beside Okaloosa Tech center off Lewis Turner Blvd.”

Nacny commented on Scenic Walton celebrates progress on underground utilities, gateway projects across county

“I would love to see all the power and other lines off Scenic Gulf Drive! They are so ugly and intrusive to the view of sunsets, the beach, etc. but...”

Dianna Gohl commented on Bridgeway Center breaks ground on 72-unit affordable housing project in Fort Walton Beach

“I am 75 and the past 5 years I broke many bones and rebroke some due to a couple medical issues. But I healed and went back to work part...”

Wesley Yates commented on Choctaw football ready to build on historic Final Four run, embraces high expectations

“Go big green!!!”

Randi commented on $3.1 million renovation project to close west side of Liza Jackson Park in August, including boat launch

“This is ridiculous that they can not wait until AFTER Labor Day! This place and Cinco ramp is the only place in Fort Walton people can go (Cinco was a...”

Steve Saunders commented on Okaloosa County proposes $769 million budget for fiscal year 2027 with no millage increase

“Excellent narrative of our taxes and process!”

filftwalton commented on $3.1 million renovation project to close west side of Liza Jackson Park in August, including boat launch

“Who ever planned for the timing of this project should be fired. Its high season for boating - duh.”