State Route 85 in Okaloosa County

Close to Eglin Air Force Base and other installations, including the Air Armament Museum and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), SR 85 is heavily traveled by both civilians and military personnel. To improve safety and extend the life of the road, multiple roadway improvement projects were developed under one contract with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). 

The contract encompassed the resurfacing of two sections of SR 85 in South Okaloosa County and the installation of new mast arms signals at the SR 85/SR 189 intersection. Additional efforts were put into bridge joint work, the addition of a new guardrail, and the extension of the northbound and southbound turn lanes at Nomad Way, along the northwest gate of Eglin Air Force Base.  

Our CEI personnel are local to Okaloosa County, with an extensive knowledge of the unique conditions of the area and the governing parties that manage, finance, and administer FDOT project work. We utilized our experience to provide complete Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services to administer the construction contract from the Preconstruction Meeting to the Final Pay Estimate as As-Built Plans. We also inspected all work and materials to make sure the project was built in accordance with the contract plans and specifications. Our team was in close coordination with all stakeholders at all points of the project work. 

This close coordination was especially beneficial during the installment of additional lighting. Some of the work was done prematurely and therefore did not line up with the layout designed by the utility owner. Our team worked with FDOT District 3 survey data to identify the infrastructure that conflicted with the design. We initiated the widening of roadway shoulders to minimize contractor delays and reduce potential claims. We also worked closely with Okaloosa County Traffic Operations on the installation and changeover for the new mast arm signals and controller cabinet at the SR 85/SR 189 intersection.  

Despite small challenges, the project was completed in just 22 months. Led by our diligent and proactive project management, all work was completed with no contractor claims and within budget. The completed roadway improvements renewed ride quality, extended the service life of the route, and greatly improved the safety of the general public and military personnel who use the road each day.