The Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a study to widen Interstate 10 from four to six lanes from exit 22 to exit 56 in Crestview. (FDOT)

HOLT, Fla., May 26, 2020—The Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a study to determine the need to widen approximately 11.4 miles of Interstate 10 between exits 45 and 56.

The study is part of a larger project to widen I-10 approximately 35.5 miles from four to six lanes between the Avalon Boulevard exit (exit 22) and the Crestview exit.

Beginning in June 2019, FDOT began a project development and environment study to assess present features, consider community needs and impacts and develop possible improvements for widening the interstate, according to a mailout flier.

An engineering and environmental analysis was conducted in July 2019.

Besides widening the roadway, interchange improvements will also be evaluated.

This project is not part of the interchange planned at Antioch Road as part of the P.J. Adams Parkway widening, but will tie into ongoing improvements.

According to the flier, interstate improvements are needed to increase safety and hurricane evacuation capacity and to enhance over-the-road trucking abilities.

Trucking accounts for 20-to-25 percent of the traffic volume on I-10 across the panhandle with an increase to 30 percent from 2010 to 2040, according to FDOT.

Widening I-10 from four to six lanes means widening or replacing the interstate bridge over the Yellow River, as well as the Blackwater River bridge in Santa Rosa County.

Construction costs for the Okaloosa County portion is projected at $161.4 million with another $12.7 million in design costs.

Those interested in leaving a comment or providing feedback on FDOT’s virtual project update may do so until June 9 at https://i10.scoutfeedback.com or by contacting Alan Vann at 850-330-1523 or alan.vann@dot.state.fl.us.