The Construction team appreciates this opportunity to discuss the work that will begin in October on State Road 397 over Toms Bayou. My name is Mike Sasser, and I serve as a public information coordinator for the project.

Work on this project began is scheduled to begin next month. It’s an $8.5 million effort that will widen and improve the bridges on State Road 397, also known as John Sims Parkway, over Toms Bayou. Work is expected to be completed in mid-2020.

The planned improvements include replacing the northbound bridge and widening the southbound structure. When complete, both bridges will consist of two 12-foot travel lanes, an eight-foot outside shoulder and a five-foot sidewalk.

The project will be constructed in three primary phases.   At this time I would like to introduce Mr. David Presson. He is a registered professional engineer who works for Mehta and Associates. He will be serving as the project engineer. (David Presson) Phase 1: Southbound demolition and widening Phase 2: Northbound demolition and construction. Phase 3: Implement final configuration. Phase 1 includes utility relocation and the partial demolition (Phase 1 A) and widening of the southbound bridge (Phase 1 B). The southbound sidewalk will be demolished and widened to accommodate three travel lanes and pedestrian traffic during Phase 2. Phase 2 includes shifting all travel lanes to the southbound bridge to allow demolition (Phase 2A) and construction (Phase 2B) of the new northbound bridge. During Phase 3, northbound travel lanes will be shifted to the new bridge. The southbound traffic railing and permanent barrier will also be constructed for final configuration.

FDOT will make every effort to minimize traffic impacts.   Drivers will encounter periodic nighttime lane closures and occasional traffic shifts. During Phase 2, the John Sims Parkway bridge over Toms Bayou will be reduced from four to three travel lanes. To provide maximum capacity during peak travel times for traffic entering or exiting Eglin AFB, the inside lane will become a “reversible lane” to alternate directions. There will be two southbound lanes (toward Eglin AFB) and one northbound lane most of the day. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be two northbound lanes (away from Eglin AFB) and one southbound lane.

At this time, if you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them

If you need any additional information, the project has a Facebook page and an e-mail address, info@mytomsbayoubridge.com.   You may also telephone the FDOT District Three Public Information Director, Ian Satter, or the department’s construction project manager, Joseph Waters.