Traffic

U.S. Highway 98 to undergo new traffic configuration for drainage work

A new round of construction work on U.S. 98 in Okaloosa County returns to the site of October's controversial lane closures that caused significant traffic delays and prompted military leadership intervention.

Jared Williams

The Florida Department of Transportation announced a new phase of construction work on U.S. 98, scheduled to begin January 2, requiring traffic shifts between Robys Drive and Woodland Park Circle.

Unlike October’s project that reduced traffic to one lane in each direction and resulted in major disruptions, FDOT officials say this time two lanes will remain open in both directions throughout the seven-day construction period.

The work, focused on installing a drainage pipe beneath U.S. 98 travel lanes, comes just months after the October construction that prompted Hurlburt Field’s 1st Special Operations Wing commander, Col. Patrick Dierig, to authorize flexible work schedules due to severe traffic congestion.

FDOT has stated that access to driveways and business entrances will be maintained throughout the construction period. Law enforcement will be present at the site, along with directional signage to guide motorists through the work zone.

The traffic configuration is scheduled to return to normal by Thursday, January 9.

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