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FDOT schedules public hearing on permanent closure of U.S. 98 median at Regions Way in Destin

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a hybrid hearing Oct. 21 to discuss closing the median as part of resurfacing project.

Jared Williams

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The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a hybrid public hearing Oct. 21 regarding the permanent closure of the U.S. 98 median at Regions Way in Okaloosa County.

The hearing will begin with an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a formal presentation and public comment period starting at 6 p.m. The event will be held virtually at www.nwflroads.com/calendar, with pre-registration required. Those unable to participate online may attend in person at the Destin City Hall Annex, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail.

The median closure is part of a U.S. 98 resurfacing project extending from Paraiso Boulevard to Regions Way. FDOT says the permanent closure is required to improve safety and traffic flow along the corridor, which serves approximately 53,500 drivers daily.

The intersection has been the site of significant safety concerns. According to a previous FDOT study, the location has experienced 60 documented crashes over a five-year period, with 14 crashes resulting in injuries requiring medical transportation. A fatal crash in April brought renewed attention to the dangerous intersection.

Following that fatal crash, the Destin City Council voted to draft a resolution supporting the closure of the intersection.

The FDOT study identified several factors contributing to dangerous conditions at the intersection, including traffic queuing issues, backup from nearby traffic signals, and “good Samaritan” gestures where drivers wave others through traffic, which accounted for 17 crashes. The study recommended converting the intersection to a “directionalized left-turn only” for eastbound and westbound left-turn and U-turn movements.

Maps, drawings and other project information will be available for review beginning at noon Tuesday, Sept. 30, online at www.nwflroads.com/calendar. Physical materials can be viewed from Sept. 30 through Oct. 31 at the Destin Chamber of Commerce, 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A.

All comments provided or postmarked on or before Oct. 31 will become part of the official record. FDOT representatives will be available to discuss the proposed improvements, answer questions and receive comments during the hearing.

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