'Safer conditions': FDOT to close lanes of Hathaway Bridge to install improved lighting
PANAMA CITY — Temporary lane closures are around the corner for a highly traveled throughway separating the Panama City Beach area and Panama City.
According to Ian Satter, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation, the outside eastbound and westbound lanes of the Hathaway Bridge will be closed 8 a.m.-4 p.m. from Sept. 11-15, as well as Sept 18-22, as crews work to install upgraded lighting.
"Having that (improved) lighting there is beneficial for the safety of everybody who uses that bridge," Satter said. "A better illuminated roadway at night creates safer conditions not only for drivers, but (also) pedestrians (who) use that bridge as well."
He noted the new lights will be brighter than existing ones, which are outdated. They have required on-and-off repairs since about the time Category 5 Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle in October 2018.
"Even since Hurricane Michael there have been some lights that we continued to help maintain and repair," Satter said. "Those light fixtures actually are no longer in production, so you're going to see some upgrades out there."
Future project: Florida's Turnpike and Bay County TPO discuss potential toll road from U.S. 98 to I-10
The Hathaway Bridge spans along U.S. 98 and connects the Panama City Beach area to Panama City.
"Being able to provide (upgrades) lighting out there to make it safer for everybody is the key reason we're getting out there and doing this job," Satter said.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Temporary lane closures slated for Hathaway Bridge in Bay County
