A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE: Work continues on Hwy. 331 South (PHOTOS)

The installation of submerged water pipelines across Choctawhatchee Bay is “to try and get ahead of a decision to enlarge [the Clyde B. Wells Bridge] to a four-lane or expand the bridge” on Hwy. 331 South, said W. Ashley Dismukes, public relations for Regional Utilities of Walton County.

If a decision on expansion were to be made, the pipes would not be affected, he added.

To see more photos of the work, click here.

Billy McKee, environmental planning manager for Walton County Public Works, said the boom-like turbidity curtain was placed by Regional Utilities to contain silt and sediment temporarily stirred up while installing the 24-inch underwater pipelines.

“You won’t even know it is there when they finish the work,” McKee said.

The project is on target for the October deadline, Dismukes said. Steps are in place to ensure the construction does not impact sturgeon migration in the bay.