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Temporary lane shift planned to accommodate ongoing Brooks Bridge construction

Drivers in Fort Walton Beach can expect changes to U.S. Highway 98 near the Brooks Bridge as construction continues on the $171 million replacement project. The move will provide space […]

FDOT

Drivers in Fort Walton Beach can expect changes to U.S. Highway 98 near the Brooks Bridge as construction continues on the $171 million replacement project.

  • Crews are building new temporary lanes along the eastbound side of the highway to allow for the shift of all U.S. 98 lanes to the south, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
  • The lane shift is scheduled to take place later this month.

The move will provide space for construction of a new westbound bridge structure to replace the section that opened in 1966. All four existing travel lanes will remain open during this phase of construction, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

When finished, the new side-by-side Brooks Bridges will expand capacity from four lanes to six. The replacement project broke ground last year with an estimated price tag of $171 million.

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“Any news from the Live Oak Landing community in Freeport?”
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“We have been reporting CHELCO numbers on our social media. FPL has been pushing out more information that CHELCO and this story was focused solely on FPL.”
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“That is good info for FPL customers BUT, what about us Chelco customers??? There are more than a few of us still without power. The Chelco outage map shows about...”
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“You are telling me that there are only 1300 or so customers still without power? In bay county?”
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“If it wasn't for Mr Hebson, I wouldn't have graduated. He recognized that is was a very ADHD kid and needed help to focus. I graduated in 1981 and we...”
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“The hull and superstructure will surely look odd without her funnels!”
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“And take a look at Rocky Bayou too. That Bayou is always getting notices of "dirty" water yet there is a State Park on one side and residential on the...”
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“It is now 9:30 pm Tuesday night. Are any lanes of Hwy 98 still closed from this?”
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Tee commented on WordroW: October 6, 2026
“Great job!”
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