Recent rain has worsened already rough conditions along Eglin Parkway, where an $11.6 million state resurfacing project has left portions of the road in poor shape after the contractor pulled its crew to work on another project.
- Town of Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks posted an update Tuesday saying the contractor handling the Florida Department of Transportation resurfacing project has more than 10 other active projects and moved its Eglin Parkway crew to finish work elsewhere.
“I let them [FDOT] know the condition of this road is totally unacceptable and frankly dangerous,” Franks said. “It should have never gotten to this point in the first place.”
Franks said FDOT assured him the crew would return to the Eglin Parkway project as soon as possible.
FDOT’s $11.6 million resurfacing of Eglin Parkway (State Road 85) from Richbourg Avenue in Shalimar to U.S. 98 in Fort Walton Beach was announced in May 2024 and began in late 2025. The project includes sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, signalization upgrades, stormwater management enhancements, and new signing and pavement markings. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2027.
Eglin Parkway is a state road maintained by FDOT, not by Okaloosa County or the Town of Shalimar.
Drivers should use caution along the corridor, particularly during and after wet weather.
One Response
These roads have damaged my STOCK suspension on my vehicle, not to mention the wear and tear on my tires and rims. Who can I contact and file a complaint with?