One week from today, the Highway 331 Freeport bypass will open to the traveling public.

The route is expected to alleviate north and southbound traffic to south Walton County’s beaches.

State officials say it'll also speed-up the evacuation process in the event of an approaching hurricane.

Wednesday in DeFuniak Springs, Florida’s Senior U.S. Senator Bill Nelson told constituents that he remains determined to get Highway 331 four-laned from the coast to the Alabama line.