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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

One Response

  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.

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Community Comments

“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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“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...”
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“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
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“Will there be a new traffic signal on Beal Parkway for the new Eglin Credit Union Ops Center on Beal Parkway?”
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“Yeah like Trump and Musk could give a flying Philadelphia Phelch about this historic ship! Much better for it to be a museum. Loved the comment how Trump and Musk...”
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“As a truck driver who used to haul for a customer in the area where the SS United States is berthed, I would see her on my way back up...”
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“All ships eventually go to scrap, the bottom, or rust away to nothing. Our beloved museum ships are no different, they've just gotten a temporary reprieve. Even if she were...”
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