Hurlburt to temporarily close Hwy 98

A portion of U.S. Highway 98 will be temporarily shut down beginning at midnight Feb. 5 while Hurlburt Field performs maintenance on the base pedestrian bridge.

Staff Sgt. William Banton said that the portion of Highway 98 would begin shutting down at midnight but all traffic would definitely be stopped by 2 a.m. Highway 98 will reopen at 8 a.m. However, traffic may be slow until noon as limited lanes will be open.

Department of Defense ID card holders will have access to the base at all times. Hurlburt Main Gate and Sound Side Gate will be open during this time, however, to help ease traffic congestion, personnel should use the East Gate.

Hurlburt Field is working with local authorities to ensure that designated emergency vehicles have access through base if needed.

Banton said the sheriff’s office would be located on either side of the bridge to direct traffic and signs will be located at the intersection of Highway 98 and State Road 87 to remind drivers. Residents living near either side of the bridge should still be able to access their residences.

Banton said the only alternative route is to take Interstate 10. He said that the pedestrian bridge is 12-years old and has not ever undergone major maintenance before.

“The safest way to do the maintenance is to take (the bridge) down,” he said. “Our major concern is that stuff can fall and we want to make sure everyone is safe.”