OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. – A major road project is underway on Highway 98 near Hurlburt Field.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the project will begin by replacing an aging stormwater pipe under the highway.
Initial work began in October, but the project caused a massive traffic jam that paralyzed the area for hours. For this reason the project was paused.
This time some changes were made before work began. According to FDOT, Highway 98 has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade.
Motorists on Highway 98 in Okaloosa County will once again see crews working to replace an underground pipe.
This project first began in October but was put on hold after the closure caused a massive traffic jam.
“Did DOT do anything different this time? One of the things we look at is how we can improve in the delivery of projects. Therefore, this drain pipe needs to be replaced,” said Ian Satter with FDOT. “It’s a broken drain pipe. We originally did this project about a month ago and it didn't meet our expectations. Anyone who travels this corridor would say it didn't work out so well. We went back to the drawing board and came up with a different plan.
Construction will take place between Robys Drive and Woodland Circle near Hurlburt Field.
Commander Patrick Dierg shared his concerns with Okaloosa County commissioners back in November, saying traffic congestion on Highway 98 could impact military readiness.
“On October 22nd, unexpected construction occurred on Highway 98, just west of our gate, effectively shutting down Highway 98,” Dierg said. “We had kids on school buses for three and a half hours.”
The pipe replacement project is part of a larger effort to resurface five miles of Highway 98. Dierg said this incident highlights the need to build a new access road along Highway 98.
“I know that would require a lot of coordination between the Departments of Defense and Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the local government agencies there,” Satter said. “I know there have been discussions. Nothing is progressing at the moment.”
This isn't the only work being done on 98. Just west in Santa Rosa County, an expansion project is being completed in Gulf Breeze.
“We plan to complete this in mid-2025 or in the fall,” Satter said. “We are at the end of this project.”
“The good news is that we only have about six months left to complete everything in this region,” he said.
FDOT recommends people allow extra time if they plan to use Highway 98 near Hurlburt. They don't expect any delays with this new plan, but say anything is possible.
Hurlburt Field has also directed its employees to maximize work from home opportunities if they are able to be flexible with staff and their schedules.
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