The bridge-to-bridge multi-use path on Okaloosa Island is nearing completion with only parking areas remaining to be finished, Okaloosa County officials said during a recent budget workshop.
- County Administrator John Hofstad said he observed the project’s progress while driving Highway 98 to Destin and noted the pathway appeared very close to completion.
“I was able to drive down 98 yesterday on my way to Destin and it’s good to see that project is very near completion,” Hofstad said. “I don’t think there’s much longer left with that one.”
The entire pathway is now paved, and Deputy County Administrator for Development Services Jason Autrey said people are already using it for biking and walking, though it’s not technically open yet.
“They still have to do the parking areas,” Autrey said. “In fact, as I drove over there as well, there were several people biking on it, walking on it. So people are starting to see that it is there.”
County officials expressed concern about vehicles using the pathway, which is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Autrey said the completion of parking areas should help address the problem by designating where vehicles can access beach areas through five cut-throughs across Eglin property.
- “Hopefully that will alleviate the issue with cars driving along the pathway,” Autrey said. Both Hofstad and Autrey said they were pleased to see no cars on the pathway during their recent visits.
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel thanked officials for their work on the project and said she has received positive feedback about the glowing stones in the pavement. However, she emphasized the need for enforcement to keep vehicles off the pathway.
“We do need to find a way to keep cars off of that,” Ketchel said. “That’s something we just really need to enforce so people understand that’s not part of the parking.”
Autrey said the parking areas will include fencing to minimize vehicle access to the pathway and designate proper parking locations for beach access.
The project is expected to be substantially completed by early August, with a ribbon-cutting following. Ketchel said she looks forward to using the pathway with her bike once it officially opens.
One Response
Good luck with the parking problems. Nobody from okaloosa county can keep cars with boat trailers off private property around the Cinco Bayou boat ramp so I don’t see how they’ll keep cars off this.