Historic Bridge-to-Bridge Multi-use Path Planned for Okaloosa County

A special groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 7 a.m. on July 8 at John Beasley Park located at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE on Okaloosa Island as Okaloosa County’s https://myokaloosa.com/ plans to implement a multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians between the Brooks Bridge and Marler Bridge on Okaloosa Island gets underway.

The Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County began accepting bids for the construction of the Bridge to Bridge Multi-Use Path ITB PW 06-24 in February 2024 per The Department of Management Services. The multi-use path (12′ wide) will stretch 4.724 miles from bridge to bridge. Project work will be performed within the existing right-of-way and include clearing, drainage improvements, earthwork, grading, asphalt paving, seeding, and sodding, and otherwise as described in the specifications. Also planned is road shoulder stabilization and providing parking areas.

“The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors is a top priority and this new path will improve safety while also providing a quality recreational asset in the County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I applaud the work of the County staff and the perseverance of Commissioner Ketchel who has worked to move this project forward.”

Funding for the new construction comes in part from a Florida Department of Transportation grant as well as tourism revenue. FDOT also prequalified the contractors/subcontractors performing the work.

A strong advocate for the construction of the bridge-to-bridge multi-use path, Okaloosa County District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel said, “This path has been a vision for many people who have been looking for a safe place to walk, bike, and exercise on Okaloosa Island. We are fortunate to be able to move this project forward with input from local residents and the cooperation of our partners at Eglin Air Force Base.”