Florida Construction News staff writer
Construction is officially underway on the final segment of the long-anticipated Highway 79 widening project, marking a major milestone in a transportation upgrade that has spanned over a decade in the Florida Panhandle.
The 28-mile project aims to expand Highway 79 from two lanes to four, stretching from the community of New Hope northward to Interstate 10. Most of the highway was completed by 2022, but a critical 2.2-mile portion near New Hope remained unfinished due to unstable soil conditions that delayed construction.
In 2019, engineers discovered a slope failure in the area, rendering the existing roadbed unsuitable to support the expanded highway. After years of geotechnical studies and a redesign, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) opted to shift the alignment of the road westward to ensure structural stability and driver safety.
Construction on this final stretch is expected to begin in early 2025, with a projected completion date of late 2027. The cost of the final phase is estimated at $17.4 million.
The widened corridor will significantly enhance mobility in the region and improve safety, especially during hurricane evacuations—a major concern for residents along the Gulf Coast.
The Highway 79 corridor has long been a key north-south evacuation route, and its expansion is expected to reduce congestion and improve access during severe weather events.
For details about the project visit 79project.com.
