Progress continues on the Southwest Crestview Bypass Phase 5, as construction crews continue to work diligently on this highly anticipated infrastructure project. In a recent video update, Okaloosa County Public Works Director Jason Autrey shared some updates on the ongoing construction efforts.
One of the key highlights of the update was the construction of a bridge on the north-south portion of the bypass. Autrey pointed out the pile columns that have been set up on the north side of the railroad tracks, along with the temporary gravel road that has been built to facilitate the construction process.
- “Once we get done with the north side of the railroad track, we’re going to come over, build one more set of piles, then we’ll start putting girders on top of those pile sets,” Autrey explained. “So you’ll see the bridge really start to take shape.”
The progress on the bridge has been particularly impressive, along with significant headway being made on the laying of asphalt and the construction of stormwater ponds.
Autrey’s update also shed light on the progress being made at the interchange of Interstate 10. According to Autrey, the eastbound lanes have already been shifted, and the team is now preparing to shift the westbound lanes to continue the construction work. Autrey added that construction will start on building a new bridge on the Interstate as well.
Although there is still work to be done, Autrey expressed confidence in the overall timeline for the completion of the project. The North-South portion has about two years left, while the PJ Adams Parkway portion is set for Spring or late Winter of 2024. As for the interchange, he estimated that there are approximately three years of work remaining.