Search
Close this search box.

FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island

Safety concerns at four intersections and growing traffic demands are key factors in FDOT's proposed redesign of the 5.1-mile corridor across Okaloosa Island.

Following the release of new project renderings, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has detailed safety improvements and traffic solutions planned for the U.S. 98 expansion project across Okaloosa Island.

  • The project, which would widen the highway from four to six lanes, aims to address higher-than-average crash rates at four intersections along the corridor and accommodate increasing traffic volumes. It also includes the replacement of the Marler Bridge.

FDOT’s safety enhancement plans include significant changes to median access points. The proposed design would reduce the total number of median openings from 19 to 13, with seven full median openings being converted to directional openings.

  • These modifications aim to increase spacing between openings and reduce traffic conflict points, according to FDOT documents.

The changes are part of a formal Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, which evaluates alternatives while considering impacts to social, natural, cultural, and physical environments. Public engagement is a required component of this process under the National Environmental Policy Act.

FDOT’s newly released renderings show the proposed changes along the corridor from Brooks Bridge to the Marler (Destin) Bridge, illustrating how the expanded roadway would accommodate current and projected traffic volumes while implementing these safety measures.

The public can review these plans and provide input at a hybrid meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST. The in-person session will be held at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, with a virtual option available at www.nwflroads.com/calendar.

Project materials are now available online. Public comments will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 13.

Renderings

2 Responses

  1. This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft Walton Beach, then take a breath and observe traffic patterns for potential improvements.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
Respond
“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
Respond
“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
Respond
“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.