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Okaloosa Island motorists to expect new Highway 98 lane configuration near Brooks Bridge

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that drivers on Okaloosa Island should prepare for a new configuration of the U.S. 98 travel lanes near Brooks Bridge. In preparation for the southward shift of the U.S. 98 travel lanes, crews are currently constructing a new temporary roadway adjacent to the eastbound lanes. The process […]

In this photo (taken facing east toward Destin), you can see piles of black baserock that will be graded and compacted before placing asphalt for the temporary roadway. (FDOT)

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that drivers on Okaloosa Island should prepare for a new configuration of the U.S. 98 travel lanes near Brooks Bridge.

  • The shift is necessary to accommodate the construction of the new westbound Brooks Bridge structure and approach.

In preparation for the southward shift of the U.S. 98 travel lanes, crews are currently constructing a new temporary roadway adjacent to the eastbound lanes. The process involves grading and compacting piles of black baserock before laying asphalt for the temporary roadway.

The new traffic configuration is expected to be implemented next month, allowing construction to progress on the $171-million Brooks Bridge replacement project.

  • The project aims to replace the current four-lane bridge, which opened in 1966, with two new parallel bridges that will increase capacity to six travel lanes.

The Brooks Bridge replacement project is estimated to be completed by summer 2027. Drivers are advised to stay informed about the upcoming changes to the U.S. 98 travel lanes and to exercise caution when navigating the construction zone.

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Carol re commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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Fred commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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Bruce Johnson commented on FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island
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Ray Sullivan commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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