The utility relocation phase of the U.S. 98-Cody Avenue interchange improvement project is concluding. Construction work for the $13.9 million effort is scheduled to begin this week.  

A conceptual view from the Hurlburt Field main gate looking south shows the U.S. 98 travel lanes elevated above Cody Avenue.

The project will elevate the U.S. 98 travel lanes above Cody Avenue to create a new, grade-separated entrance to Hurlburt Field.  Through traffic on U.S. 98 will pass over Cody Avenue, while access to Hurlburt Field will be provided via on- and off-ramps. 

"This project will improve travel flow and enhance safety on U.S. 98," said FDOT Construction Project Manager Dominic Richard.  "Approximately 47,000 drivers travel this segment of U.S. 98 daily and this work will make their commute safer and more efficient." 

In an effort to minimize traffic impacts, lane closures on U.S. 98 will be restricted to 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. when traffic demand is lowest.

Final completion of the project is scheduled for late 2014.

Over the next 15 months, here's a snapshot of the work you can expect to see underway on the project.

Mid-2013: 

• Construction of a temporary left turn lane in the U.S. 98 westbound median to enable left turns onto Campaigne Street.
• Grading work in the U.S. 98 median.
• Constructing temporary travel lanes in the median.
• Clearing and grubbing along the outside portion of the roadway.

Late 2013/Early 2014:

• Shifting traffic to the newly constructed temporary travel lanes in the U.S. 98 median.
• Constructing new ramps adjacent to the outside portion of the roadway. 

Mid- and Late 2014:

• Shifting traffic from the temporary travel lanes in the median to the newly constructed outside portion of the roadway.
• Work in the center portion of the roadway to elevate the U.S. 98 travel lanes.
• Constructing the U.S. 98 overpass above Cody Avenue.
• Shifting traffic onto the elevated U.S. 98 travel lanes.
• Final paving work. 

Looking west along U.S. 98.  The pedestrian overpass in the background will remain in place during and after construction.

The latest information on the U.S. 98-Cody Avenue interchange improvement project is available on Facebook.  You can see the latest traffic advisories, view pictures of the work, and pose questions for the construction team. 

You may also follow the Florida Department of Transportation on Twitter, @MyFDOT_NWFL