Brooks Bridge

Brooks Bridge is a road bridge that spans Santa Rosa Sound and links Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island. The structure carries four lanes of traffic and serves as a major route between the mainland and the barrier island.

The present bridge opened in 1966, replacing an earlier movable steel structure from the 1930s that could swing up for passing ships. This change reflects how regional traffic and design standards evolved over the decades.

The bridge forms a central element in Fort Walton Beach's infrastructure, shaping the daily routines of residents traveling between coastal communities.

Traffic patterns may shift during ongoing construction as the bridge undergoes expansion to six lanes. Travelers should allow flexibility in their schedules and consider alternate routes when planning trips to and from the island.

The reconstruction project includes a specially designed underpass section to manage traffic flowing to and from Santa Rosa Boulevard. This feature demonstrates how the modernization addresses the area's complex traffic network.

Official opening: 1966

GPS coordinates: 30.40091,-86.60044

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06