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Okaloosa Island’s Brooks Bridge replacement project shows significant progress

Construction on the Brooks Bridge replacement project is making steady progress as shown in aerial comparisons between spring 2023 and spring 2025.

Jared Williams

Construction on the Brooks Bridge replacement project is making steady progress as shown in aerial comparisons between spring 2023 and spring 2025.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) released photos showing advancement on the new westbound bridge structure, which will be part of two new parallel bridges replacing the existing span that opened in 1966.

The 2025 photo highlights pier construction for the new bridge, which will stand 15 feet taller and extend 793 feet longer than the current structure. These piers will support the westbound bridge deck and distribute weight to the foundation below.

Crews are also building a “mechanically stabilized earth” (MSE) wall to elevate the U.S. 98 westbound travel lanes as they approach the taller bridge. Once completed, these elevated lanes will pass over Santa Rosa Boulevard.

The $171 million project will increase capacity from the current four-lane bridge to six travel lanes across two parallel bridges. Construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.

The original Brooks Bridge has served the area since 1966, connecting mainland Fort Walton Beach with Okaloosa Island.

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