Traffic

Fort Walton Beach to close right turn lane at Highway 98 and Perry Avenue on Saturdays

Memorial Day through Labor Day closure aims to prevent motorists from using residential streets as cut-through routes to access U.S. Highway 98 via Brooks Street and Perry Avenue.

Jared Williams

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The right turn lane of Perry Avenue on the south side of U.S. Highway 98 will close on Saturdays throughout the summer, starting this weekend.

The lane closure begins Saturday, May 24, and continues every Saturday through Labor Day. The closure will be in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. each Saturday.

Officials first implemented the closure last year to reduce traffic congestion on residential streets north of Brooks Bridge, where motorists have been cutting through neighborhoods to access U.S. Highway 98 via Brooks Street and Perry Avenue.

During the closure, drivers will not be able to turn eastbound onto U.S. Highway 98 from the intersection.

A message board on Hollywood Boulevard will alert drivers about the closure. Officials warn that navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze may not accurately reflect the lane closure.

Motorists needing to access U.S. Highway 98 are advised to use the Eglin Parkway (SR 85) intersection instead.