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