Structural engineering assessments of Fort Pickens Road through the Fort Pickens Area and Highway 399 through the Santa Rosa Area have been completed following Hurricane Nate. Due to the damage and estimated repair timelines, both roads are expected to be closed through early December. Fort Pickens Campground reservations have been cancelled through Sunday, December 3, but may be extended if needed.
The National Park Service and the Federal Highways Administration are working closely to complete the repair work as quickly as safely possible. “These roadways are vital links for our community,” said Park Superintendent Dan Brown, “we are thankful that repairs will be able to be completed sooner than initially thought so visitors can return to these wonderful areas.” In addition to repairing road damage, the National Park Service will pursue options for improving road shoulders on the north side of both roadways. These erosion control methods may help avoid road edge damage caused by over wash during low category hurricanes and tropical events in the future.
