Several components of the U.S. 98 Brooks Bridge approach are beginning to take shape on Okaloosa Island as the $171-million replacement project continues.
- Recent aerial views show progress on two new roadway connections.
The “East Connection” will be a four-lane road providing access between Santa Rosa Boulevard and U.S. 98 eastbound. U.S. 98 westbound drivers will also be able to make a left turn on East Connection to access Santa Rosa Boulevard on the south side of U.S. 98.
The second roadway, called “North Connection,” will feature a dedicated ramp to access the U.S. 98 westbound outside travel lane to Brooks Bridge. A dedicated right-turn lane from U.S. 98 westbound onto the North Connection will allow drivers to access Santa Rosa Boulevard north of U.S. 98.
Construction crews have been placing beams for the new westbound structure as part of the ongoing project this month. Crews recently installed the final beam for the westbound structure span above Santa Rosa Boulevard, with one end positioned on an abutment at a mechanically stabilized earth wall located at the northeast corner of the U.S. 98 and Santa Rosa Boulevard intersection. The other end rests on a recently constructed bridge pier.
- Crews will next construct the bridge deck for this section of bridge.
The Brooks Bridge replacement project involves constructing two new, parallel bridge structures that will expand capacity to six travel lanes. The current bridge, which opened in 1966, has four lanes.
The Florida Department of Transportation is overseeing the project.
One Response
So there will be a traffic light on the East side of the bridge to allow West traffic to turn left to access Santa Rosa Island west. Why???? I thought the purpose of the overpass was to get rid of the traffic lights. This is no improvement