Hurlburt prepares for new overpass

A Florida Department of Transportation survey marker protrudes from the ground next to U.S. Highway 98 in Mary Esther, Fla., Oct. 12, 2012. Hurlburt Field contractors moved sections of the base perimeter fence in preparation for the FDOT to begin construction on an overpass to connect the main base to the Sound Side. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Hurlburt prepares for new over pass

Published Oct. 15, 2012
By Staff Sgt. John Bainter
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Hurlburt Field, Fla. -- The Hurlburt Field perimeter fence along U.S. Highway 98 is moving in anticipation of planned construction at the intersection of Cody Ave and Highway 98.

The new fence placement will provide additional land for the Florida Department of Transportation to begin construction on a new two lane overpass project. The perimeter project is ahead of schedule and should be completed before its projected due date of Nov. 1.

This initial stage is a joint effort between base contractors and the FDOT. The final stage, a two-lane overpass will connect the Soundside Club and housing areas to the main base to alleviate some of the traffic issues at the Hurlburt Field main gate.

Although the primary purpose of the overpass is to alleviate some of the traffic burden from the local community, members of Team Hurlburt and local people passing the base will be confronted with construction zones once work begins.

"This is going to be a huge project and [will] affect the traffic flow on Highway 98 until the overpass is complete," said Tech. Sgt. Ranell Oyola, noncommissioned officer in charge of base infrastructure civil engineer support from 1st Special Operations Contracting Squadron.

The FDOT is still in the stage of contract procurement for a design-and-build team and should have a contract in place by January of 2013. However, construction of the actual structure isn't estimated to begin until July 2013.