Project: SR 20 & CR 83A W Intersection Improvements
Project Overview
The intersection improvement and signalization of this busy intersection is being managed by Walton County. Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance is supporting the project by managing a grant under an interlocal agreement. Due to a significant number of military, federal workers and defense contractors using this intersection the improvement received the endorsement of the military. The City of Freeport also advocated for this critical improvement. The grant agreement requires project completion by June 2026. The estimated completion date will be defined once the construction bid award is announced and a delivery date for the traffic signal components are known.
Representative of a typical morning at approximately 7:00am during the week.
Improve will result in left and right northbound turn lanes with additional safety measures at the intersection.
Updates
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September 3, 2025 – Construction Bid Released, Materials Contract Awarded
Momentum continues on the intersection improvement project at County Road 83A West and State Highway 20, with both materials procurement and construction bidding moving forward on schedule.
Key updates:
Materials contract awarded: Walton County has awarded the long-lead-time materials contract to a Panama City-based supplier. This includes signal poles, mast arms, and related equipment—critical components for the intersection upgrade. Delivery is expected by mid-March 2026, with the potential for earlier arrival.
Construction bid package released: The construction Invitation to Bid (ITB) was officially released at the end of August.
Bid deadline approaching: Contractor bids are due by September 30, 2025. Once evaluated and awarded, construction will begin based on the timeline submitted by the selected contractor.
Completion deadline: The project remains on track for substantial completion by May 31, 2026, in accordance with grant requirements.
These milestones reflect the ongoing collaboration between Walton County staff, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and Panhandle Engineering and Construction Services (PECS). By securing materials early and advancing construction procurement, the County is positioning this infrastructure improvement project for success.
Look for more updates as Walton County moves closer to selecting a contractor and breaking ground!
August 6, 2025 – Final Permit Approved, Construction Bid Package in Progress
Significant progress has been made on the intersection improvement project at County Highway 83A West and State Highway 20, as the project advances into the final stages before construction.
Key updates:
FDOT drainage permit approved: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has officially issued all required permits and approved the full project plans. This milestone clears the way for construction procurement.
Construction bid package in development: With final permitting complete, Walton County Purchasing is now preparing the construction Invitation to Bid (ITB). In accordance with State procurement regulations, the ITB will be advertised for a minimum of 30 days.
Contractor selection timeline: A construction contractor is expected to be selected by mid-October 2025, keeping the project on schedule for its grant-required completion date of June 2026.
Materials bid progressing: The separate materials-only bid package for signal poles, mast arms, and related equipment was advertised earlier. Vendor selection for these long-lead items is expected to be finalized by the end of August 2025.
These coordinated efforts between FDOT, Walton County staff, Panhandle Engineering and Construction Services (PECS), and other stakeholders are helping ensure this critical infrastructure project stays on track.
Look for more exciting updates from Wonderful Walton as the project moves closer to construction!
July 30, 2025 – Materials-Only Bid Package Officially Released
Exciting progress continues on the intersection improvement project at County Highway 83A West and State Highway 20!
Walton County has officially released the “materials only” Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the purchase of signal mast arms, poles, and other key signal components. This critical procurement step is intended to get ahead of known supply chain lead times and ensure long-lead items are secured early.
Key updates:
The ITB includes mast arms, poles, and essential signal equipment required for the intersection upgrade.
Early procurement will ensure these components are available when construction begins, helping keep the project on schedule.
This proactive step complements the ongoing finalization of permitting with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
With the materials ITB now released, the County is turning its focus toward completing the construction bid package, which is expected to follow shortly.
We are grateful for the continued coordination between FDOT, Panhandle Engineering and Construction Services (PECS), and Walton County staff. Look for more exciting updates from Wonderful Walton as this important infrastructure project moves toward construction!
July 23, 2025 – Materials Bid Package Being Prepared, FDOT Drainage Review Ongoing
Progress continues on the intersection improvement project at County Highway 83A West and State Highway 20, as Walton County and its contracted engineering firm move closer to construction.
Key updates:
Drainage permit status: The project engineering team, Panhandle Engineering and Construction Services (PECS), resubmitted revised drainage plans to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) last week. These updates address the most recent comments from FDOT’s drainage office. Final approval now rests with the State, and we are optimistic the revisions will fully satisfy all outstanding requirements. Once approved, the final design and permit package will be ready for bid preparation.
Materials procurement ITB drafted: To stay ahead of potential supply chain delays, Walton County is preparing a separate “materials only” invitation to bid focused on high-lead-time items such as signal mast arms and poles. If approved by legal staff, the County anticipates releasing the bid package within the next one to two weeks.
This two-pronged approach—finalizing permits while proactively securing critical materials—keeps the project moving efficiently toward construction. We appreciate the continued collaboration between FDOT, PECS, and County staff.
Look for more exciting updates from Wonderful Walton as this important infrastructure improvement moves forward!
July 7, 2025 – One Permit to Go, Procurement Phase Approaching
We're now on the verge of transitioning from design to construction procurement for the much-anticipated intersection improvement project. The team has worked diligently to resolve the final outstanding requirement: the FDOT drainage connection permit.
Key updates:
The design engineer has submitted responses addressing all of FDOT’s final comments regarding the drainage permit.
Utility coordination is nearly complete, streamlining preparation for the construction phase.
Walton County is evaluating internal purchasing thresholds to allow for direct procurement of signal mast arms, a proactive move to avoid lead-time delays.
Sources of supply for key signal components are identified.
Once the final drainage permit is received, the County will begin developing the invitation to bid (ITB) for construction.
The County will also move forward with selecting an engineering firm to provide construction oversight and contract management.
We're grateful for the continued partnership between County staff, FDOT, and our engineering consultants. With the final permit expected soon, Wonderful Walton is one step closer to breaking ground on this critical infrastructure improvement. Stay tuned!
June 25, 2025 – We’re in the final stretch of the design effort!
The last remaining item before this intersection improvement project can move forward to construction is the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) drainage permit.
FDOT staff recently conducted a site visit to review drainage conditions along the south side of Highway 20. In response to their request for additional information, our engineering team has provided all necessary documentation and fully addressed each FDOT comment.
Key updates:
The drainage permit is the final requirement before the County can begin the procurement process for construction.
The project’s signalization plans are 100% complete.
Mast arms and possibly some key signal components are being procured directly by Walton County to avoid long lead times and keep the project on schedule.
Once FDOT issues the final approval, the complete design and permit package will be submitted to Walton County for review and public advertisement for bidding.
We are grateful for the collaboration between County staff, FDOT, and our engineering partners Panhandle Engineering and Construction Services. Stay tuned for exciting updates as Wonderful Walton moves closer to selecting a construction contractor and breaking ground on this much-anticipated improvement!
June 18, 2025 – Only one permit remains to be worked before the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) can approve the intersection improvement project to move forward. Walton County Engineering and their consultant are actively addressing an additional FDOT request for information related to drainage. The FDOT comments are expected to be resolved by the end of this week, allowing the review process to continue.
The signalization plans are 100 percent designed, enabling the County to directly purchase the signal lights and mast arms.
The mast arms have a long lead time. This direct procurement strategy should help save both time and money.
Once the final permit is received, the County will move quickly to develop the invitation to bid for construction.
Look for exciting updates from Wonderful Walton as this project moves forward.
June 4, 2026 - We are almost at the 100 percent design stage for the County to take the necessary steps to go out to bid. The design engineering firm has secured the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) driveway access permit for the project. The FDOT drainage permit is the only remaining permit pending. Once the final drainage permit from FDOT is received, the following actions will take place:
The final construction plans and complete permit package will be submitted to the Walton County for review and concurrence to proceed with public advertisement.
Once the County approval to proceed is received, the engineering firm will coordinate with the County to schedule an intake meeting to start the procurement cycle. This will initiate the development of a bid package.
Look for exciting updates from Wonderful Walton as this project moves forward.
