U.S. Route 331
Encyclopedia
U.S. Route 331 is a spur of U.S. Route 31
. It currently runs for 151 miles (243 km) from Montgomery, Alabama
at U.S. Route 80
and U.S. Route 82
to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida east of Fort Walton Beach
at U.S. Route 98
. Unlike U.S. Route 131
, U.S. Route 231
and U.S. Route 431
, U.S. 331 never intersects with its "parent" route, U.S. Route 31
; the two routes come within four miles (6 km) of each other in Montgomery
.
. It travels due south for 103 miles (165.8 km) passing through several small towns and communities such as Luverne
, Opp
, and Florala
. Once reaching the Florida/Alabama state line it travels south-southeastward passing through the towns of DeFuniak Springs and Freeport
before terminating at an intersection with U.S. Route 98
about 10 miles (16.1 km) east of Sandestin
.
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U.S 331 travels south from Paxton
passing very near the highest elevation in the state of Florida through rural country until reaching U.S. Route 90 just west of DeFuniak Springs. US 331 is co-signed with US 90 for about 3 miles (4.8 km) eastward before US 331 turns south again. Construction has been completed just north of Freeport
that re-routes US 331 around the eastern edge of the town and connecting with the current US 331 again at the intersection of State Road 20
just east of Freeport. From there US 331 continues south for about 10 miles (16.1 km) to intersect with U.S. Route 98. Several times during the late 20th century, FLDOT considered extending US 331 southward to connect with State Road 30A near the beaches but local opposition effectively killed any plans from being enacted. In the 1980s, the existing drawbridge over the Choctawhatchee Bay was replaced with a concrete span with a higher clearance. The drawbridge was part of the Intracoastal Waterway system and travel delays due to barge traffic were common. The new bridge also enabled speedier access for US 331 as a hurricane evacuation route. In DeFuniak Springs, US 331 was once routed through the downtown area and through local streets until 2007 when the road was relocated to a new four lane route just east of the downtown area that is still used today. Local officials are currently lobbying the state to four-lane the highway from State Road 20 south to U.S. 98, including construction of a second span over Choctawhachee Bay.
throughout the state. North of Montgomery, State Route 9 is a signed route, leading from Montgomery to the Georgia state line in the northeastern part of the state. State Route 9 passes through Wetumpka
, Goodwater
, Ashland
, Heflin
, Piedmont
and Centre
. Milepost markers along State Route 9 north of Montgomery reflect the mileage of U.S. 331.
U.S. 331 is also a segment of a four lane bypass around eastern portions of Opp
. U.S. 84 continues a southwestern segment of the bypass after U.S. 331 continues south towards Florala
. It once had an infamous intersection located just south of Brantley
that was referred to as the "dead right". U.S. 331 south travelers had to stop and turn right in order to continue southbound on U.S. 331 while the road straight ahead became Alabama State Route 141 south and traveled southeastward to the city of Elba
. This intersection was removed in the late 1960's once a new stretch of U.S. 331 was opened slightly to the west of the old highway.
In the 1980's the 10 miles (16.1 km) stretch of U.S. 331 between Luverne
and Brantley
was four laned. U.S. 331 is also co-signed with U.S. 29 between the two towns. In Luverne
, U.S. 331 is co-signed with Alabama State Route 10
between the center of town and the community of Rutledge just north of Luverne
.
U.S. 331 is also co-signed for approximately 1/2 mile in Florala
with Alabama State Route 55
. Lake Jackson State Park is located near the intersection of U.S. 331 and Alabama 55 south in Florala
.
U.S. 331 is co-signed with U.S. 84 along a portion of the bypass around Opp
.
From Montgomery's South Boulevard southward to the community of Snowdoun, Alabama, U.S. 331 is now fourlaned. The proposed Montgomery outer loop is projected to cross U.S. 331 in this area connecting I-65 to the west to U.S. 231/U.S.82 and I-85 to the east and northeast.
In Montgomery, U.S. 331 used to occupy Norman Bridge Road south of South Boulevard until it connected to the existing U.S. 331 about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of South Boulevard. However, by 1970 a four lane stretch of U.S. 331 was opened between the connection of Norman Bridge Road/U.S. 331 and South Boulevard and U.S. 331 was re-routed onto this road. At one time, U.S. 331's northern terminus existed in downtown Montgomery with an intersection with U.S. 80 near the state capitol. This routing used Court Street as well as Perry Street.
The routing of all of the U.S. Highways in the Montgomery area has changed throughout the years several times and now no U.S. Highways exist in the downtown area. U.S. 331 was truncated at South Boulevard in the early 1970's and that routing has not changed since. There was also a Business U.S. 331 at one time as well but this route was later dropped as well.
U.S. 331 is still considered a major route for tourists and travelers headed to the NW Florida beaches. However, several alternate routes have been developed over the years which has lessened the amount of traffic on this route. These alternates include U.S. 231, Alabama State Route 167
, and recently Alabama State Route 55
from Georgiana
through Andalusia
to Baker
and Crestview
. With the advent of these alternate routes which are speedier due to the conditions of the roads as well as passing through or near fewer towns the desire to widen and four lane U.S. 331 from Montgomery southward has waned.
U.S. Route 31
U.S. Route 31 is a long north–south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with its northern terminus at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City, Michigan, and southern terminus at the combined U.S. Route 90 & U.S. Route 98 at Spanish Fort, Alabama...
. It currently runs for 151 miles (243 km) from Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...
at U.S. Route 80
U.S. Route 80
U.S. Route 80 is an east–west United States highway, much of which was once part of the early auto trail known as the Dixie Overland Highway. As the "0" in the route number indicates, it was originally a cross-country route, from the Atlantic to the Pacific...
and U.S. Route 82
U.S. Route 82
U.S. Route 82 is an east–west United States highway in the southern United States. What started as a 1932 addition to the system across central Mississippi and southern Arkansas eventually became a 1,609 mile route extending from the White Sands of New Mexico to Georgia's Atlantic coast.The...
to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida east of Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Fort Walton Beach is a city in southern Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. As of 2005, the population estimate for Fort Walton Beach was 19,992, and as of 2010, the population estimate for Fort Walton Beach is 19,507 recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau...
at U.S. Route 98
U.S. Route 98
U.S. Route 98 is an east–west United States highway that runs from western Mississippi to southern Florida. It was established in 1933 as a route between Pensacola, Florida and Apalachicola, Florida, and has since been extended westward into Mississippi and eastward across the Florida...
. Unlike U.S. Route 131
U.S. Route 131
US Highway 131 is a north–south United States Highway, of which all but 0.67 miles of its 266.82 miles are within the state of Michigan. The highway starts in rural Indiana south of the state line as a state road connection to the Indiana Toll Road...
, U.S. Route 231
U.S. Route 231
U.S. Route 231 is a parallel route of U.S. Route 31. It currently runs for 912 miles from St. John, Indiana, at U.S. Route 41 to south of U.S. Route 98 in Downtown Panama City, Florida.One of its most notable landmarks is the William H...
and U.S. Route 431
U.S. Route 431
U.S. Route 431 is a spur of U.S. Route 31. It currently runs for 556 miles from Owensboro, Kentucky at U.S. Route 60 to Dothan, Alabama, at U.S. Route 231 and U.S. Route 84. Through many parts of US 431 it is a two lane with not many places of it being a four lane highway.-Alabama:U.S. 431 is...
, U.S. 331 never intersects with its "parent" route, U.S. Route 31
U.S. Route 31
U.S. Route 31 is a long north–south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with its northern terminus at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City, Michigan, and southern terminus at the combined U.S. Route 90 & U.S. Route 98 at Spanish Fort, Alabama...
; the two routes come within four miles (6 km) of each other in Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...
.
Route description
U.S. 331 begins with an intersection with U.S. 82 (South Boulevard) in MontgomeryMontgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...
. It travels due south for 103 miles (165.8 km) passing through several small towns and communities such as Luverne
Luverne, Alabama
Luverne is a city in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 2,635.The city is the county seat of Crenshaw County.-History:...
, Opp
Opp, Alabama
Opp is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 6,607. -Geography:Opp is located at . According to the U.S...
, and Florala
Florala, Alabama
Florala is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 1,964.-Geography:Florala is located at . According to the U.S...
. Once reaching the Florida/Alabama state line it travels south-southeastward passing through the towns of DeFuniak Springs and Freeport
Freeport, Florida
Freeport is a city in Walton County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,190 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 1,427.-Geography:Freeport is located at ....
before terminating at an intersection with U.S. Route 98
U.S. Route 98
U.S. Route 98 is an east–west United States highway that runs from western Mississippi to southern Florida. It was established in 1933 as a route between Pensacola, Florida and Apalachicola, Florida, and has since been extended westward into Mississippi and eastward across the Florida...
about 10 miles (16.1 km) east of Sandestin
Sandestin, Florida
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a destination resort in Miramar Beach, Florida, United States, on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. The resort is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay, in Walton County...
.
Florida
Paxton, Florida
Paxton is a town in Walton County, Florida, United States. The population was 656 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 753.-Geography:Paxton is located at ....
passing very near the highest elevation in the state of Florida through rural country until reaching U.S. Route 90 just west of DeFuniak Springs. US 331 is co-signed with US 90 for about 3 miles (4.8 km) eastward before US 331 turns south again. Construction has been completed just north of Freeport
Freeport, Florida
Freeport is a city in Walton County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,190 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 1,427.-Geography:Freeport is located at ....
that re-routes US 331 around the eastern edge of the town and connecting with the current US 331 again at the intersection of State Road 20
Florida State Road 20
State Road 20 is an east–west route across northern Florida and the Florida Panhandle.-Route description:The western terminus of State Road 20 is at State Road 85 in Niceville. The route proceeds east through Blountstown, crossing the Apalachicola River on the Trammell Bridge, then proceeding...
just east of Freeport. From there US 331 continues south for about 10 miles (16.1 km) to intersect with U.S. Route 98. Several times during the late 20th century, FLDOT considered extending US 331 southward to connect with State Road 30A near the beaches but local opposition effectively killed any plans from being enacted. In the 1980s, the existing drawbridge over the Choctawhatchee Bay was replaced with a concrete span with a higher clearance. The drawbridge was part of the Intracoastal Waterway system and travel delays due to barge traffic were common. The new bridge also enabled speedier access for US 331 as a hurricane evacuation route. In DeFuniak Springs, US 331 was once routed through the downtown area and through local streets until 2007 when the road was relocated to a new four lane route just east of the downtown area that is still used today. Local officials are currently lobbying the state to four-lane the highway from State Road 20 south to U.S. 98, including construction of a second span over Choctawhachee Bay.
Alabama
U.S. 331 is paired with unsigned Alabama State Route 9Alabama State Route 9
State Route 9 is one of the longest state highways in the U.S. state of Alabama. From the Florida state line north to Montgomery, SR-9 is the unsigned partner route of U.S. Highway 331. As a signed route, the southern terminus of SR-9 is at its junction with U.S...
throughout the state. North of Montgomery, State Route 9 is a signed route, leading from Montgomery to the Georgia state line in the northeastern part of the state. State Route 9 passes through Wetumpka
Wetumpka, Alabama
Wetumpka is a city in Elmore County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 5,726.The city is the county seat of Elmore County, one of the fastest growing counties in the state....
, Goodwater
Goodwater, Alabama
Goodwater is a city in Coosa County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 1,475. It is part of the Alexander City Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Goodwater is located at .According to the U.S...
, Ashland
Ashland, Alabama
Ashland is a town in Clay County, Alabama, United States. The population was 1,965 at the 2000 census, at which time it was a city; according to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population was 1,885. The town is the county seat of Clay County.-History:...
, Heflin
Heflin, Alabama
Heflin is a city in Cleburne County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 3,002. The city is the county seat of Cleburne County.-History:...
, Piedmont
Piedmont, Alabama
Piedmont is a city in Calhoun and Cherokee counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. The population was 5,120 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Anniston-Oxford, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. Many surrounding communities utilize the 36272 ZIP code, including Spring Garden, Rock Run,...
and Centre
Centre, Alabama
Centre is a city in Cherokee County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 3,273. The city is the county seat of Cherokee County, and is part of the 'Gadsden, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area'.-History:...
. Milepost markers along State Route 9 north of Montgomery reflect the mileage of U.S. 331.
U.S. 331 is also a segment of a four lane bypass around eastern portions of Opp
Opp, Alabama
Opp is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 6,607. -Geography:Opp is located at . According to the U.S...
. U.S. 84 continues a southwestern segment of the bypass after U.S. 331 continues south towards Florala
Florala, Alabama
Florala is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 1,964.-Geography:Florala is located at . According to the U.S...
. It once had an infamous intersection located just south of Brantley
Brantley, Alabama
Brantley is a town in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 920. It is the home of former NBA stars Chuck Person and Wesley Person.Brantley is located at 31°35'4" North, 86°15'24" West ....
that was referred to as the "dead right". U.S. 331 south travelers had to stop and turn right in order to continue southbound on U.S. 331 while the road straight ahead became Alabama State Route 141 south and traveled southeastward to the city of Elba
Elba, Alabama
Elba is a city in Coffee County, Alabama. At the time of the 2000 U.S. census, its population was 4,185.Elba is the official county seat of Coffee County, though Coffee County has two County Courthouses, with the other one being located in the town of Enterprise...
. This intersection was removed in the late 1960's once a new stretch of U.S. 331 was opened slightly to the west of the old highway.
In the 1980's the 10 miles (16.1 km) stretch of U.S. 331 between Luverne
Luverne, Alabama
Luverne is a city in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 2,635.The city is the county seat of Crenshaw County.-History:...
and Brantley
Brantley, Alabama
Brantley is a town in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 920. It is the home of former NBA stars Chuck Person and Wesley Person.Brantley is located at 31°35'4" North, 86°15'24" West ....
was four laned. U.S. 331 is also co-signed with U.S. 29 between the two towns. In Luverne
Luverne, Alabama
Luverne is a city in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 2,635.The city is the county seat of Crenshaw County.-History:...
, U.S. 331 is co-signed with Alabama State Route 10
Alabama State Route 10
State Route 10 is an east–west route in southern Alabama. It is the lowest even numbered route in the state that is not an unsigned partner route assigned to a U.S. highway. It is also the only signed state route that extends from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia line...
between the center of town and the community of Rutledge just north of Luverne
Luverne, Alabama
Luverne is a city in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 2,635.The city is the county seat of Crenshaw County.-History:...
.
U.S. 331 is also co-signed for approximately 1/2 mile in Florala
Florala, Alabama
Florala is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 1,964.-Geography:Florala is located at . According to the U.S...
with Alabama State Route 55
Alabama State Route 55
State Route 55 is a long route in the southern part of the state. The southern terminus of the route is at the Florida–Alabama state line, where the route continues as Florida State Road 85. The northern terminus of the route is at a junction with U.S...
. Lake Jackson State Park is located near the intersection of U.S. 331 and Alabama 55 south in Florala
Florala, Alabama
Florala is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 1,964.-Geography:Florala is located at . According to the U.S...
.
U.S. 331 is co-signed with U.S. 84 along a portion of the bypass around Opp
Opp, Alabama
Opp is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 6,607. -Geography:Opp is located at . According to the U.S...
.
From Montgomery's South Boulevard southward to the community of Snowdoun, Alabama, U.S. 331 is now fourlaned. The proposed Montgomery outer loop is projected to cross U.S. 331 in this area connecting I-65 to the west to U.S. 231/U.S.82 and I-85 to the east and northeast.
In Montgomery, U.S. 331 used to occupy Norman Bridge Road south of South Boulevard until it connected to the existing U.S. 331 about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of South Boulevard. However, by 1970 a four lane stretch of U.S. 331 was opened between the connection of Norman Bridge Road/U.S. 331 and South Boulevard and U.S. 331 was re-routed onto this road. At one time, U.S. 331's northern terminus existed in downtown Montgomery with an intersection with U.S. 80 near the state capitol. This routing used Court Street as well as Perry Street.
The routing of all of the U.S. Highways in the Montgomery area has changed throughout the years several times and now no U.S. Highways exist in the downtown area. U.S. 331 was truncated at South Boulevard in the early 1970's and that routing has not changed since. There was also a Business U.S. 331 at one time as well but this route was later dropped as well.
U.S. 331 is still considered a major route for tourists and travelers headed to the NW Florida beaches. However, several alternate routes have been developed over the years which has lessened the amount of traffic on this route. These alternates include U.S. 231, Alabama State Route 167
Alabama State Route 167
State Route 167 is a 60 mile-long route in the southeastern part of the state. The southern terminus of the route is at the Florida state line, where Florida State Route 79 crosses into Geneva County...
, and recently Alabama State Route 55
Alabama State Route 55
State Route 55 is a long route in the southern part of the state. The southern terminus of the route is at the Florida–Alabama state line, where the route continues as Florida State Road 85. The northern terminus of the route is at a junction with U.S...
from Georgiana
Georgiana, Alabama
Georgiana is a town in Butler County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town was 1,737.-Geography:Georgiana is located at 31°38'24.313" North, 86°44'21.991" West .According to the U.S...
through Andalusia
Andalusia, Alabama
Andalusia is a city in and the county seat of Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 8,794.According to the 2007 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 8,705...
to Baker
Baker, Florida
Baker is an unincorporated town in Okaloosa County, Florida. It is located about northwest of the county seat, Crestview, in the Florida Panhandle. The Baker Block Museum is in Baker....
and Crestview
Crestview, Florida
Crestview is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. Crestview’s name was chosen because of its location on the peak of a long woodland range between the Yellow and Shoal rivers which flow almost parallel on the east and west side of the City....
. With the advent of these alternate routes which are speedier due to the conditions of the roads as well as passing through or near fewer towns the desire to widen and four lane U.S. 331 from Montgomery southward has waned.
Major intersections
- U.S. Route 98 at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
- State Road 20Florida State Road 20State Road 20 is an east–west route across northern Florida and the Florida Panhandle.-Route description:The western terminus of State Road 20 is at State Road 85 in Niceville. The route proceeds east through Blountstown, crossing the Apalachicola River on the Trammell Bridge, then proceeding...
at FreeportFreeport, FloridaFreeport is a city in Walton County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,190 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 1,427.-Geography:Freeport is located at .... - Interstate 10 at DeFuniak Springs, Florida
- U.S. Route 90 at DeFuniak Springs, Florida
- Alabama State Route 52Alabama State Route 52State Route 52 is an long route in the southeastern part of the state. The western terminus of the route is at a junction with U.S. Highway 331 at Opp. The eastern terminus of the route is at the Georgia state line east of Columbia...
and Alabama State Route 55Alabama State Route 55State Route 55 is a long route in the southern part of the state. The southern terminus of the route is at the Florida–Alabama state line, where the route continues as Florida State Road 85. The northern terminus of the route is at a junction with U.S...
in FloralaFlorala, AlabamaFlorala is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 1,964.-Geography:Florala is located at . According to the U.S... - U.S. Route 84U.S. Route 84U.S. Route 84 is an east–west United States highway. It started as a short Georgia-Alabama route in the original 1926 scheme, but now extends all the way to Colorado. The highway's eastern terminus is a short distance east of Midway, Georgia, at an intersection with I-95. The road continues...
at Opp, AlabamaOpp, AlabamaOpp is a city in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 6,607. -Geography:Opp is located at . According to the U.S... - U.S. Route 29U.S. Route 29U.S. Route 29 is a north–south United States highway that runs for from the western suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland, to Pensacola, Florida. This highway's northern terminus is at Maryland Route 99 in Ellicott City, Maryland...
from BrantleyBrantley, AlabamaBrantley is a town in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 920. It is the home of former NBA stars Chuck Person and Wesley Person.Brantley is located at 31°35'4" North, 86°15'24" West ....
to Luverne, AlabamaLuverne, AlabamaLuverne is a city in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 2,635.The city is the county seat of Crenshaw County.-History:... - Alabama State Route 10Alabama State Route 10State Route 10 is an east–west route in southern Alabama. It is the lowest even numbered route in the state that is not an unsigned partner route assigned to a U.S. highway. It is also the only signed state route that extends from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia line...
in LuverneLuverne, AlabamaLuverne is a city in Crenshaw County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 2,635.The city is the county seat of Crenshaw County.-History:... - Alabama State Route 97Alabama State Route 97State Route 97 is a route that extends from near Highland Home in Crenshaw County to south of Lowndesboro in Lowndes County.-Route description:...
in Highland Home - U.S. Route 80U.S. Route 80U.S. Route 80 is an east–west United States highway, much of which was once part of the early auto trail known as the Dixie Overland Highway. As the "0" in the route number indicates, it was originally a cross-country route, from the Atlantic to the Pacific...
and U.S. Route 82U.S. Route 82U.S. Route 82 is an east–west United States highway in the southern United States. What started as a 1932 addition to the system across central Mississippi and southern Arkansas eventually became a 1,609 mile route extending from the White Sands of New Mexico to Georgia's Atlantic coast.The...
in Montgomery, AlabamaMontgomery, AlabamaMontgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...