Scenic Walton is thrilled to announce the opening of the new pedestrian underpass at Inlet Beach, located on one of the busiest highways in Northwest Florida. Officially open, this passageway addresses significant safety concerns for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers.

This project, led by Scenic Walton with support from county officials, state representatives, local businesses, and community leaders, has been a decade in the making. Leigh Moore, Executive Director at Scenic Walton, reflects on the journey.

“The idea for a safe passageway started more than 10 years ago,” Leigh says. “Back then, Inlet Beach had minimal commercial and residential development. When the Donut Hole opened, it marked the beginning of a larger influx of people crossing Highway 98. The subsequent developments of 30Avenue, Crossings at Inlet Beach, and additional shops, hotels, and condos led to an explosion in the community’s growth within a decade.”

As the intersection grew busier, the need for a safer crossing became evident. Leigh explains, “We began discussions with the community, bringing together citizen activists, business owners, Walton County, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) with two main goals: enhancing safety and beautifying the intersection.”

Several initiatives were undertaken, including improving pathways. “The five-foot sidewalks on Highway 98 and other pathways on 30A were insufficient,” Leigh notes. “We needed better street lighting, marked crossings, and new landscaping. An overpass was considered, but it posed several challenges such as ADA compliance requirements and its impracticality for cyclists. It became clear that an underpass was the best solution.”

Extensive studies and evaluations led to the decision to build an underpass, engineered to handle water and well-lit for safety. “The $5.6 million project also includes an art component with murals and sculptures commissioned by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA),” Leigh adds. “We wanted to make the journey through the underpass not only safer but enjoyable. The CAA has done an amazing job with the murals,  and sculptures are coming soon – which will be part of the second phase of art in several months.”

This underpass is the second of its kind in Northwest Florida, with the first located at Florida State University in Tallahassee. FDOT Public Information Director Ian Satter highlights the collaborative effort behind the project. “This project is a result of a strong partnership with Walton County and other agencies. It’s unique because it’s part of a legislative package appropriation with support from Walton County. Now completed, it provides a safe and efficient mode of travel for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Scenic Walton extends its gratitude to the business owners who generously contributed time and money. “Businesses like 30Avenue, Shades Restaurant, the Donut Hole, Inlet Beach Commons, the Shops at Inlet, FDOT, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, and theWalton County Tourism Department played crucial roles in making this project a reality,” Leigh acknowledges. “We also received significant support from Senator George Gainer and Representative Brad Drake, who secured state funding, and the Cultural Arts Alliance.”

Leigh emphasizes that Scenic Walton’s initiatives often enhance safety, whether through public roadway landscaping or utility projects. “It’s not just about beauty. Although a beautiful environment does contribute to better health outcomes. This project is particularly special because it will directly save lives. We are proud to be part of a project that will enable safe passage for school children, families, and individuals on foot and bicycles. It has been a long time coming but is well worth the wait. I am more passionate about this project than anything we have ever worked on, and that says a lot.”