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Traffic nightmare: U.S. 98 construction causes major disruptions in Okaloosa County

Construction work that began Sunday on U.S. 98 led to massive traffic delays Monday, affecting commuters, students and military personnel, prompting Hurlburt Field's commander to implement flexible work schedules.
A line of red taillights stretches into the distance along U.S. 98 westbound at night near the Hurlburt Field overpass, where construction has reduced traffic to a single lane Monday evening. Photo by Phan Tuyen via Facebook

The first day of planned lane closures on U.S. 98 in Okaloosa County created extensive traffic congestion on Monday, Oct. 22, disrupting daily commutes and prompting military leadership to take action.

Col. Patrick Dierig, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, responded to the situation by authorizing squadron commanders to implement flexible work schedules and alternate duty locations.

“Due to this week’s Hwy 98 construction impacts, I have authorized all 1 SOW squadron commanders maximum flexibility on how they manage work schedules, shifts, and alternate duty locations,” Dierig said in a Facebook statement.

  • The base commander also announced that Child Development Centers and Youth Center facilities would remain open until all children were picked up, with late pickup fees waived for the week. Dierig indicated he is working with local leaders to address the situation.

The lane closure, which began Sunday night at 8 p.m., is scheduled to continue for seven days as crews install a drainage pipe beneath the U.S. 98 travel lanes. The work is part of a larger resurfacing project in the area.

Social media platforms saw numerous complaints from affected residents about the traffic conditions. The Florida Department of Transportation had previously announced that directional signage would be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.

The construction project is scheduled to continue through Sunday, Oct. 27, weather permitting.

14 Responses

  1. Want to commend the Commander for his rapid leadership decision at Hurlburt field. This responce takes some of the pressure off traffic for the general community.
    Thank you
    Philip Ballman

  2. Maybe this will show the leadership in Okaloosa County that a bypass road really needs to be a priority.

  3. Maybe this will show the leadership of Okie Dokie County that we are in desperate need of a bypass road.

  4. Need a bypass? What about all that money dropped on a ship… to be sunk… to increase scuba and snorkeling tourism… that increases more traffic… nah, who needs a bypass rofl

    1. A bypass is necessary, and what astounds me is the lack of action from local elected leadership that will get the job done!! Just unbelievable!

  5. Bypass requires traversing the Eglin Reserve. Traversing the Eglin Reserve diminishes access for military missions. Diminished military missions degrades Eglin to remain fully functional. Less functionality at Eglin is reduction in local employment, on and off base. Think it through people, suck it up and drive on, albeit slowly.

    1. Sucking it up is not the solution. That’s what is wrong with government these days and the way many just fall into the rank and file and believe there is no solution. I do not have the answer, but there is an answer, and it will take the cooperation of the federal government and the local and state governments to fix this. You don’t grow bases and community populations and not the infrastructures needed to support growth.

  6. Range roads already exist that run parallel to 98 within eglin. Environmental roadblocks will have to be figured out. Ranges can be relocated, it’s not impossible.

    I’m not expecting any progress though. After the failed incorporation referendum in Navarre, it’s clear that infrastructure and quality of life improvements are not a priority for the citizenry here, unless of course those improvements happen to be a carwash, storage unit, or a slim chicken’s.

  7. Why cant road work be done at night during off peak hours? Many other states adapted and do this. Crews use lighting when necessary this would be efficient and safer for everyone, Especially during hieght of tourist season.

  8. Working at night is the solution. FL DOT should never have approved a closure plan that impacted traffic flow during rush hours. Especially in an area with critical travel. Base responders, pilots, emergency personnel, etc shouldn’t have to potentially watch people die because of culvert replacement.

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