Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers Honors American with Outstanding Roadway Project Award

The Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) selected the SR 123 from north of Turkey Creek to SR 85 North project in Okaloosa County for the Outstanding Roadway Project Award.

This FDOT District Three project widens SR 123 from two to four lanes and includes a flyover bridge at the SR 123/SR 85 intersection. The improvements greatly increase safety and traffic flow through the corridor, which supports the local tourism industry by providing access to Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Valparaiso. The project also serves the growth of and expansion of Duke Field, Eglin AFB and the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Project challenges included complex geometry, maintenance of traffic during construction and coordination efforts with Eglin AFB for right of way, flight zone concerns and power line impacts.

The FICE review committee based its selection on 14 criteria: complexity of the project, scheduling challenges, innovative technical concepts, cost savings, public involvement/support, minimization of negative impacts, partnering, functionality of project, aesthetics, environmental impacts/benefits, sustainability, cost overruns and time extensions, technical/engineering challenges overcome and safety improvements.