Project: Sr 20 Passing Lanes
Project Overview
The SR 20 Passing Lanes Project is a proposed transportation improvement that will add three permanent passing lanes to the stretch of State Road 20 between Freeport and Niceville. The initiative is being supported by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and is now advancing to become part of the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) plan—an important step toward securing regional and state funding.
This project is a direct outcome of Wonderful Walton’s collaboration with the leadership of Eglin Air Force Base, working together to drive positive outcomes for our shared communities. That partnership helped identify SR 20 as a strategic corridor requiring near-term improvements to support both civilian and defense needs.
Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance has championed the project alongside a broad coalition of partners, including Eglin Air Force Base, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Wharton-Smith Construction, and the City of Freeport.
This corridor is used daily by local residents, first responders, health care professionals, military personnel, and contractors. The project will deliver both short- and long-term benefits by improving safety, increasing efficiency, and supporting emergency access through this high-traffic coastal route.
The Project Will Include:
Area 1: Westbound passing lane near Eglin range access
Area 2: Eastbound passing lane near Basin Bayou
Area 3: Westbound passing lane east of the Freeport city limits
Each lane will be built to permanent FDOT standards, making them long-term enhancements even as future four-laning of SR 20 is considered.
Approximation of passing lane areas. These are not Final plans.
Benefits
Safety First – Creates dedicated, safe passing areas and reduces head-on collision risk
Improved Traffic Flow – Reduces driver frustration and congestion on the two-lane roadway
Emergency Readiness – Wider lanes allow for safer, quicker emergency vehicle access
Strategic Mobility – Supports critical regional and defense infrastructure needs
Updates
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November 12, 2024: Presentation from the Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners about the development of the idea to add passing lanes as an improved solution to support our community.
A motion to have the project included in the 5-year work plan of the Okaloosa Walton Transportation Planning Organization by Commissioner Glidewell and was seconded by Commissioner McCormick
