331 Bridge Construction? - Choctawhatchee Bay (Freeport: beach, properties, traffic)

[DonCorleone]

Can any locals give me an update on the 331 bridge construction over Choctawhatchee Bay in the Freeport/Santa Rosa Beach areas? It's been in a state of perpetual construction for the past few years but I read in December that it was nearing completion early Spring 2017. Can't seem to find any news sources since then.

We are heading down in a few weeks and am just trying to decide if we should risk it (as we always do and are greeted with an hour delay in standstill traffic) or if it's actually, finally, truly finished this season.

Thanks!

[beachmouse]

It's finished, but you're probably still going to have the usual Saturday night tourist arrival back-ups to some degree because of the light at the intersection of 98 and 331.

[DonCorleone]

Thanks. That I can handle. It's the seemingly inexplicable backups miles before the bridge that frustrate me.

[slduvall]

The light at Hwy 20 and 331 can add to that as well. But it is better than the alternative - the Mid Bay bridge. that can be 20-45 minutes or longer if you don't have sun pass. It is all about timing on either bridge on a Saturday. Avoid 2:00 - 4:00 pm, with most properties doing a 4:00 pm checkin, it is a recipe for disaster.

[DonCorleone]

Thanks. We try to get there before 2 but often get caught up in the horde descending on the beach.