The Florida Department of Transportation is implementing a temporary traffic shift on Brooks Bridge this week as construction continues on the bridge’s replacement.
- Starting the week of Monday, July 6, westbound U.S. 98 will be reduced to a single lane and shifted onto the eastbound side of the highway between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
The shift will stretch from Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island to west of Perry Avenue in Fort Walton Beach. Eastbound traffic will also be reduced to a single lane during the same overnight hours.
FDOT said the temporary configuration is needed to perform construction activities on the new bridge. Law enforcement officers will be on-site to direct motorists through the work zone.
Drivers should also be aware that intermittent lane closures may occur on U.S. 98 between Ferry Road and Pier Road, Sunday through Thursday, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
The work is part of the $171 million Brooks Bridge Replacement Project, which will replace the current four-lane bridge with two new parallel bridges carrying six travel lanes.
All work is weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather. FDOT urged drivers to use caution when traveling through the work zone, especially at night, and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
