CRESTVIEW — Florida Department of Transportation officials will start developing a master plan for Interstate 10 that could include one, if not two, Crestview interchanges.
But for now, they seek the public's input, DOT public information officer Tanya Branton said.
The plan, expected to be completed before July, is in the data analysis and evaluation stages, which featured a Thursday meeting to introduce the stretch of highway included in the study. Attendees received an overview of the FDOT I-10 Master Plan Middle Section, which encompasses Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington and Jackson counties.
"We certainly hope the study will result in a new interchange at Antioch Road," Mayor David Cadle said. "We sure need it."
County Commissioner Nathan Boyles recently called for the interchange in a letter to the DOT.
"I'm just glad we're talking about it," Boyles said. "We've acknowledged we have a problem and now we can move to figure out ways to fix the problem."
Crestview residents Earl Halmon and Sharon Brown-Halmon, whose property backs up to I-10, said sound-proofing barriers would also be welcome.
"Sometimes semis pull off I-10 and idle near our house," Earl Halmon said.
Sharon Brown-Halmon said they get used to the highway noise, but in pleasant weather, when they'd like to open their windows, it can be annoying.
She'd by OK with moving, she said.
"If they want to buy all our property, that would be all right, too," she said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Residents wishing to suggest improvements or comment on the Interstate 10 study area between Okaloosa and Jackson counties may contact consultant project manager Sarah Walker, 850-878-977 or SaWalker@HNTB.com; or Florida Department of Transportation District 3 project manager Virgie Bowen, 888-638-0250, ext. 1530 or Virgie.Bowen@dot.state.fl.us.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Additional I-10 exit considered for Antioch Road; input wanted