John T. Brooks Bridge Replacement
Superior and WSP are partnering on the John T. Brooks Bridge replacement, a critical design-build project for the Florida Department of Transportation. The project involves constructing two new parallel spans over the Santa Rosa Sound to replace the aging 1966 structure. Once complete, the new bridge will significantly enhance traffic flow and increase capacity between Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach. Notably, the Brooks Bridge will feature one of the nation’s first flexible filler internal tendon spliced girder designs — an innovation that enables full tendon replacement for easier, more cost-effective long-term maintenance.
- Bridge length: 2,111 feet (793 feet longer than existing structure)
- Construction of two new parallel bridges
- Six travel lanes with 11-foot-wide driving lanes and 10-foot-wide shoulders
- 12-foot-wide shared-use paths with protective barriers
- Scenic overlooks and shade structures
The Work
Superior partnered with WSP to replace the structurally deficient Brooks Bridge, originally completed in 1966, with two new parallel structures over Santa Rosa Sound. Construction began in summer 2023, starting with the first span north of the existing bridge to minimize impacts while maintaining traffic flow.
As crews build the westbound bridge substructure, they’re constructing critical foundation elements, including formwork for precast seal slabs that serve as specialized concrete foundations for pier footings. The design team overcame foundation conflicts by implementing a skewed 275-foot spliced girder main span unit with twin-column piers oriented parallel to the navigation channel.
The project utilizes temporary trestles on each bank for access and material delivery, which reduces reliance on marine equipment and improves safety. Superior coordinated with twelve utility agency owners to accommodate existing utilities, including electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber optic, and Eglin Air Force Base communications infrastructure. The team utilized high-accuracy surveys and 3D modeling for precise utility protection.
Project Gallery
