Okaloosa County approves safety fix for dangerous curve in Crestview

In Brief:

🛣️ FDOT will fund and build safety upgrades for a crash-heavy section of Airport Road near Buckhorn Drive.
💰 The project will come at no cost to the county, but Okaloosa will maintain the road after construction.
👷 Improvements include skid-resistant paving, shoulder work, and minor widening to reduce accidents.

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CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a maintenance agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a safety project targeting a crash-prone curve on Airport Road near Buckhorn Drive.

According to county officials, FDOT identified the curve as a high-risk area due to a recurring pattern of accidents and plans to implement multiple improvements in early 2027.

The primary upgrade will be a high-friction surface treatment designed to improve tire grip, especially in wet conditions. The project will also include minor widening, shoulder construction and other related improvements.

Public Works Director Scott Bitterman said the project will be fully funded by FDOT, with no cost to the county.

“The safety project does not require any funding by the county,” Bitterman said. “FDOT has scheduled the work for early 2027… They like to have an agreement in place that just documents that we will maintain Airport Road when it’s all said and done.”

The commission voted to approve a resolution and authorized the chairman to sign the maintenance agreement, which ensures the county will assume responsibility for maintaining the roadway once construction is complete.

Commission Chairman Paul Mixon, whose district includes the site, voiced strong support for the plan and noted the location’s troubled history.

“It’s a terrible, terrible section of roadway,” Mixon said. “The guardrail—I’m not sure how often you can replace it—but it’s been put to the test over and over.”

Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel made the motion to approve the agreement, which Commissioner Sherri Cox seconded. It passed unanimously.