The closure of HWY 98 for the Hurlburt Field Bridge is being delayed

HURLBERT FIELD AFB, Fla. (WKRG) — The Hurlburt Field Air Force Base Public Affairs Office has released an update on the installation of the pedestrian bridge crossing HWY 98 in Okaloosa County.

Work on the bridge was originally scheduled for October 29 and 30, resulting in the temporary closure of both lanes overnight. The base said work is being delayed a week until Nov. 5 and 6 because of the possibility of storms over the Halloween weekend.

The installation plan remains the same as before.

Hours and lane changes for HWY 98 November 5 and 6:

• At 5 p.m. on November 5, Highway 98 will be reduced to two lanes
• Highway 98 will be closed at 10 p.m.
• At 8 a.m. Nov. 6, Interstate 98 will reopen to two lanes
• At 10 a.m., Interstate 98 will be fully open.

The base sent out travel plans for military and civilians to get around the closures:

• Non-DoD ID card traffic will need to use either eastbound or westbound I-10 to bypass this area during the closure period.
• DoD ID card holder traffic will be permitted from the Hurlburt Soundside area on Cody Ave to the main base and back via the Highway 98 underpass during the entire time period.
• Traffic on Cody will not be allowed to enter Interstate 98, eastbound or westbound, while Interstate 98 is closed.
• DoD ID card holders will be able to use the temporary McMillian Gate at Highway 98, west of the pedestrian bridge, and the Hurlburt Field East gate while Highway 98 is closed.

The pedestrian bridge crossing HWY 98 was damaged in Hurricane Sally and has been standing on the side of the road ever since. Once it’s installed, the base said they still have work to do before opening the bridge to pedestrian traffic. The base said it expects to reopen before Christmas.