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.

• The construction project, which reduced traffic to one lane in each direction from Robys Drive to Woodland Park Circle, resulted in standstill traffic conditions throughout the day. The impact was felt across the community, from workers arriving late to their jobs to students experiencing delayed returns home in the evening.

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.