NEWS

DOT to host hearing on Brooks Bridge project

Construction slated to start in 2022

Staff report
Brooks Bridge, circa 1975. submitted by Dick Peterman, Peterman Advertising.

OKALOOSA ISLAND — The Florida Department of Transportation will host a public hearing on the U.S. Highway 98-Brooks Bridge Replacement Project Development and Environment Study from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.

The hearing will begin as an open house at 5:30 p.m. There will be a formal presentation at 6 p.m., followed by a public comment period, according to a news release from DOT.

To accommodate replacing the Brook Bridge, intersection improvements are needed at Perry Avenue on the west end of the bridge in Fort Walton Beach and near Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.

Maps, drawings and other information will displayed at the hearing. DOT representatives also will be available to discuss proposed improvements, answer questions and take comments, the release said.

People who cannot attend the hearing can review the meeting materials by visiting www.brooksbridgereplacement.com. The online meeting can be accessed anytime, anywhere from Oct. 4-15, and will provide the same information as the in-person meeting.

Draft documents are available for review on nwflroads.com or at the Fort Walton Beach Library during regular business hours through Oct. 15.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2022.