Traffic changes coming near Brooks Bridge in May
Collin Bestor
FORT WALTON BEACH — Drivers who frequent the Brooks Bridge will notice some traffic changes coming later this month.
The Florida Department of Transportation said in a news release that drivers will see a southern shift of U.S. 98 travel lanes. This is needed to provide more space to construct a new westbound bridge structure and approach.
As work crews prepare for the road changes on U.S. 98, the FDOT will implement a temporary roadway along the eastbound lanes. The road will see new grading and compact piles of black baserock before new asphalt is poured.
Construction is part of a $171 million Brooks Bridge replacement project. The project involves the construction of two new parallel bridges, increasing traffic flow by implementing six travel lanes.
FDOT expects the project to be completed by summer 2027. For up-to-the-minute traffic alerts near the Brooks Bridge or other roadways in Okaloosa County, go to fl511.com.