201: Widening of SR 8 (I-10)

State Road 8 (SR 8), or Interstate 10 (I-10), is a key road in Northwest Florida. The roadway is used for evacuations, freight movement and everyday traffic. Due to the region’s population growth, the road has become busier, making an expansion necessary. The increased traffic and the road’s important role in emergency evacuations show the need for expanding the roadway’s capacity.

We focused our project on a five-mile stretch in Okaloosa County, Fla., near Crestview. We extended from the Yellow River to the State Road 85 Interchange. We expanded the existing four lanes to six by adding two new lanes to the interior of the road that sloped downward, opposite to the existing condition.

This approach helped us reduce costs and limit environmental impact. This method also keeps existing drainage systems and bridge height clearances in place. We analyzed the present and future traffic patterns, assessed the environmental impacts and designed the road and drainage systems. We followed the guidelines of the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The expansion improves traffic flow and safety. It also improves the road for future growth and freight movement, which is important for the local economy. The new road design makes travel faster and easier for daily drivers and during emergency evacuations. Overall, this project helps improve the area’s transportation system, making it more efficient and ready for future needs. The expansion also strengthens the region’s connectivity, supporting mobility for Northwest Florida.