You didn't give your route or travel plans down. It could make a difference. I wouldn't take the toll road in Okaloosa County. That Mid-Bay toll road over the bay certainly isn't the quickest way to most of the Beaches of South Walton. The 331 Bridge over Choctawhatchee Bay in Walton County is free. This past Saturday, we were coming back to SoWal from NoWal about 1 p.m. Took 331 South off I-10 in DeFuniak Springs. Traffic was heavy headed South, but not too much of a backup. Only slowed down as we approached 331 and 98. (there was a fender bender pulled over at Tom Thumb gas station and two sheriff car's, etc.) The traffic on 98 was backed up quite a bit heading west at the 331 and 98 intersection. There is construction. The right hand west bound turn lane normally used to head north on 331 is blocked and this is causing some delay. Surely, this lane will be reopened soon. When you leave SoWal, plan on leaving early in the day or hang around and have a late lunch or early supper before you head out. If you are going to Georgia or east, before you go home to the midwest, I'd go Highway 98, to 79, to 20, to 231 and then hit I-10 or continue on up 231. This travel pattern could change depending which schools are on Spring Break, etc.
BTW, there is a new 331 by-pass around Freeport. There is one little sign if you are heading south. Be sure to just head straight south on 331 here. Can't tell you how many people I've seen with out-of-state tags pull off the road here and turn around and try to backtrack the old way. Heading back to your home and heading north, when you get to the light at Freeport 331/20 go straight!!! This will save you 5 -10 minutes off your commute. Don't turn left like some of your old directions probably say, unless of course you have a personal reason for going that way.
sorry, couldn't resist>
