331 bridge Construction

We hope not - it's supposed be two of the four lane bridge...

I wonder about that too. Because the new bridge is so much taller than the "old" one. I put that in quotes because I remember the really old one. Of course, some of you remember when there was no bridge at all.

The new bridge is way higher than the "old" bridge. If they are planning on keeping it, it looks weird to me. I'm to young to remember the draw bridge that was there originally. But, I did enjoy reading about it in the book "the way we were". After reading the story of Clyde Wells, I had a yearning to go fix up the little concrete block cabins on the north side. I hope they survive the construction, they are a part of our history. Do we have a historical society working on this? Or are they doomed just like the villas?

I agree with you. With the curves and the height different, this is going to be an odd looking bridge, no matter what. Maybe it will come out looking like "art", but it's main function is to pack a whole lot more people into the quagmire of 30-A.

FDOT newsletter | US 331 Connections March 2015

Construction accelerates on U.S. 331 corridor
U.S. 331 is a beehive of construction activity with work underway to build a new bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay and expand the roadway from two to four lanes between the bay and Interstate 10. The $193 million FDOT construction program will improve safety, relieve traffic congestion, and enhance economic development opportunities for Walton County's U.S. 331 corridor.


Concrete piles have been driven for the northern and southern approaches for the new Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge. In February a milestone was reached as crews poured the first concrete bridge spans.

A video commemorating the milestone is available here.

The months of March and April constitute the mating season for the federally endangered Gulf Sturgeon which inhabits coastal rivers, bays, estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico between Florida and Louisiana. Federal regulations prohibit the construction team from driving piles in the bay waters during mating season. However, come May 1 drivers can expect to see a lot of activity from barge-mounted construction cranes and pile driving equipment.

No traffic impacts are anticipated, but drivers are reminded to keep their eyes on the road and resist "rubbernecking."

The construction schedule calls for putting traffic on the new bridge in summer 2016 and completing remaining tasks by spring 2017.


Safety reminder

The U.S. 331 corridor, between Interstate 10 and the southern shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, is an active construction zone. Commuters should exercise appropriate caution, obey traffic signs and speed limits, and be alert for construction vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the travel lanes. Provisions are in place to double speeding fines for any citations that are issued while workers are present in the construction zone.

US 331 project has a facebook page with regular updates/photos.

Recreational area that will be beneath the southern approach of the bridge currently under construction. This area will feature a boat launch, ample parking, space for fishermen, public restrooms and a covered picnic area.

All this at taxpayer expense...wow I'm impressed. NOT!

I admit the bridge needed to be expanded and the road 4 laned...but the rest is overkill in my opinion.

Recreational area that will be beneath the southern approach of the bridge currently under construction. This area will feature a boat launch, ample parking, space for fishermen, public restrooms and a covered picnic area.

I like this. I live near a bay front park and while we have enjoyed it for years it always looked a bit run down. I often take my grandkids there to play on the equipment. Recently the county repaired and painted the covered picnic tables and restrooms and rebuilt the boat ramp. I read on the county website where they are taking bids for tennis courts to be built. Money spent on the parks recreational areas for the citizens of Walton County to enjoy is money well spent and long past due. These are relaxing and peaceful places where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors during the busy parts of year.

I like this. I live near a bay front park and while we have enjoyed it for years it always looked a bit run down. I often take my grandkids there to play on the equipment. Recently the county repaired and painted the covered picnic tables and restrooms and rebuilt the boat ramp. I read on the county website where they are taking bids for tennis courts to be built. Money spent on the parks recreational areas for the citizens of Walton County to enjoy is money well spent and long past due. These are relaxing and peaceful places where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors during the busy parts of year.

Agreed. Love this idea to provide recreational areas on the bay side. A boat launch spot is needed too!

When you have unused space, as would be the case with the bridge, utilize it as best you can. That is exactly what they plan to do with the space beneath the bridge.

When you have unused space, as would be the case with the bridge, utilize it as best you can. That is exactly what they plan to do with the space beneath the bridge.

I love the plan. I remember reading about the recreational plans a few years ago and now it's well underway.

I think money spent on improving facilities that are used primarily by residents is money well spent. Part of encouraging economic development is showing companies that an area provides recreational opportunities for its citizens.

When you have unused space, as would be the case with the bridge, utilize it as best you can. That is exactly what they plan to do with the space beneath the bridge.

Exactly, one of best qualities of space beneath a bridge is the protection from the elements that is already in place. It would be foolish not utilize it.

All this at taxpayer expense...wow I'm impressed. NOT!

I admit the bridge needed to be expanded and the road 4 laned...but the rest is overkill in my opinion.

How else does a public works project get financed? The boat launches are sorely need and I think it is Ingenious to incorporate them into the bridge construction.

How else does a public works project get financed? The boat launches are sorely need and I think it is Ingenious to incorporate them into the bridge construction.

Most people who live in the South end think anything that enhances their way of life (even at taxpayer expense) is good for all of us.

A large number of users at that spot are from Freeport and the north end.

Most people who live in the South end think anything that enhances their way of life (even at taxpayer expense) is good for all of us.

I believe this kind of project is for everyone. This project is one of the only real enhancements we've seen in many years that provides recreational facilities on the bay or anywhere, for everyone. It's quite impressive. Financed by FDOT as well as Walton County.

The North vs. South attitude helps no one nor does it accomplish what we need for Walton County overall.

Remember that Andy when the talk about incorporation comes up again.

I don't agree that it's good for all of us.

It's that simple.

The recreational facilities at the bridge are one of the few times Walton County has thought long term. As the beaches continue to get more crowded and disputed, bay usage is going to increase exponentially.

The new bridge is way higher than the "old" bridge. If they are planning on keeping it, it looks weird to me. I'm to young to remember the draw bridge that was there originally. But, I did enjoy reading about it in the book "the way we were". After reading the story of Clyde Wells, I had a yearning to go fix up the little concrete block cabins on the north side. I hope they survive the construction, they are a part of our history. Do we have a historical society working on this? Or are they doomed just like the villas?

SRBGirl, the little block cabins were one part of the Bay Grove Motel and yes, they are part of local history but I am fairly certain they will be gone if they aren't already. The Bay Grove Restaurant is long gone. The bridgetender's house was a small building on the south side of the causeway and it too has been gone ever since the drawbridge closed.

I don't recall Clyde Wells being in the Way We Were; he was county/circuit judge for many, many years and was killed in a private airplane crash in Pensacola. His son, Kelvin Wells, is our current judge.

I'm glad you had the idea of saving the cabins; I'm all about stuff like that

The recreational facilities at the bridge are one of the few times Walton County has thought long term. As the beaches continue to get more crowded and disputed, bay usage is going to increase exponentially.

I didn't realize at the time it was announced what an exceptional addition the rec area would be. Someone deserves big kudos for this! Can't wait to see the final product and go out and hang out under the bridge!

It is long overdue to do some kind of beautification/improvements to the causeway. It has looked like a construction site for about twenty years. I can't tell a lot from the hokey computer generated renderings, but my hopes are that quality landscaping will prevail. It should be a showcase for what South Walton is all about.