FDOT RoadWatch Report for April 6- April 12, 2025

This weekly report is prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida. Below are the work schedule and lane closure locations for major state road projects in the Heartland counties.

Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and drive with caution, courtesy, common sense, and patience as they travel through work zones. Remember, speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.

If you know before you go, you can plan accordingly and save time and money.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): Permit project: Crews are constructing a temporary road connection to rebuild Hillard Road, including a new driveway connection and right-turn lane for the South Florida Water Management facility. Crews will continue installing the water main and force main piping along U.S. 441 North within the easements. This includes grade work, which will not impact traffic.

• Crews will conduct striping removal and restriping operations on US 441 southbound and northbound on April 2 and April 3, 2025. Lane shifts and intermittent lane closures will be in place. Flaggers will be on site to guide traffic and ensure safety.

• From April 3 through April 22, road widening work will take place on the west side of US 441. During this time, motorists should expect daytime traffic shifts and intermittent lane closures on US 441 southbound to accommodate construction activities. Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones. SR 70 From East of US 441 to Northeast 17th Avenue: Construction project: Crews will be working on milling and resurfacing, base work, drainage improvements, curb and gutter, guardrails, traffic signals, signage, pavement markings, lighting, and other incidental construction.

• Crews are performing final repairs and void repair operations, with crews and equipment on-site. Motorists are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate possible delays, and allow additional travel time or consider alternate routes during this work. Intermittent lane closures will be in place in both eastbound and westbound directions as work continues.

• Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones. Anticipated completion is early 2025.

HARDEE COUNTY

CR 664 from East of Pool Road to North of Palm Drive: Construction Project: Crews have begun work on CR 664 from East of Pool Road to North Palm Drive to remove and replace Bridge No. 060034 over Little Payne Creek.

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Expect a full road closure on CR 664 between East of Pool Road and North Palm Drive starting January 6, 2025, lasting approximately 250 days.

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A detour route is in place to guide motorists safely around the construction zone. Access will be maintained for local traffic only.

Completion is expected in late 2025.

SR 66 from West of Sweetwater Road to Highlands County Line: Construction Project: Crews will begin work on SR 66 from West of Sweetwater Road to Highlands County Line. Improvements include resurfacing, pavement markings, and safety enhancements.

Expect intermittent lane closures and flagging operations on westbound and eastbound State Route 66 between Sweetwater Road and the Highlands County Line from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout April 2025. These closures are necessary to complete final road repair work.

Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

Completion is expected in mid-2025.

SR 66 from US 17 (SR 35) to Charlie Creek: Construction project: Crews will mill and resurface SR 66 from US 17 to Charlie Creek. Improvements will include milling and resurfacing. Motorists expect a detour for phase I reconstruction at Merle Langford Road when the westbound lane of SR 66 is closed for construction. Eastbound SR 66 will remain open throughout. Other improvements consist of sidewalk construction, drainage structures, guardrails, curb and gutter, new pavement markings and other safety improvements. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers, traffic signage, detours and equipment throughout the project.

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The detour began March 10 and will remain in place throughout the duration of the project. Westbound SR 66 was closed from Merle Langford Road to US 17, with traffic detoured via Steve Roberts Special and SR 64. Eastbound SR 66 remained open.

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Lane closures and flagging operations will take place on westbound and eastbound SR 66 from Sweetwater Road to Merle Langford Road beginning April 6 through April 10, 2025, during nighttime hours from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will perform milling and paving operations.

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Motorists expect longer delays in the queues, followed posted signs, and may have considered alternate routes.

Completion is expected in early 2026.

SR 62 from US 17 (SR 35) to Manatee County Line: Maintenance project: Crews will be completing shoulder repair along SR 62 beginning April 1, 2025, with an estimated completion date of April 9, 2025

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Motorists can expect delays with intermittent lane closures and flagging operations as needed during this maintenance activity.

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Drivers should proceed with caution, watch for workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway, and be prepared for possible delays.

The completion date is subject to change based on weather or other factors.

US 17 (SR 35 NB) from Bay Street to Palmetto Street: Permit project: Lane and sidewalk closures with law enforcement at night while contractor removes and installs poles on the east side of US 17. Please use caution in this area and watch out for workers and equipment during overnight hours.

HENDRY COUNTY

SR 29 (Bridge Street) Caloosahatchee River Bridge (Labelle) Installation of detection technology: Construction project: Crews will begin the installation of pedestrian/ bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connections to the bridge tender building.

• Bridge work is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks to complete.

• Motorists are advised there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures.

• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone. Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

US 98 (State Road 700) from East of Floral Drive to East of County Road 621: Construction project: Crews have started to mill, resurface, and widen the roadway. The project includes enhancing drainage, installing and upgrading guardrails, and updating signage.

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Flagging operations are taking place from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. for asphalt paving and barrier wall installation on the south side of US 98 (SR 700) within the project limits. Motorists should expect delays, use caution, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

Estimated completion is expected in late 2025.

SR 17 from Lakeview Drive to Sebring Drive: Utility Maintenance Project: Crews will be installing new utility infrastructure, including new pedestals and pull boxes, along SR 17.

• Work began in March 2025 and is expected to continue into April 2025. Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures with flagging operations in place as crews complete the installations.

• Motorists should use caution, watch for workers in the work zones, and be prepared for possible delays.

SR 17 at Sebring Circle: Special permit: Crews will implement road closures for the Sebring Soda Festival in Downtown Sebring. Road closures will begin on Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. and continue through Sunday, April 6, at 7 p.m. Circle Park Drive, North Ridgewood Drive, South Commerce Avenue, East Center Avenue, and South Ridgewood Drive will be closed within the downtown area. Additional closures on Saturday, April 5, at 9 a.m. through Sunday, April 6, include North Commerce Avenue and West Center Avenue.

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Detour signs will be in place. Please use caution in the area and watch for pedestrians and event staff.

State Road 25 (US 27) from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road and State Road 25 (US 27) from North of Tower Street to South of Tower Street: Construction project: Crews are reconstructing rigid pavement on State Road 25 (US 27) from north of Tower Street to south of Tower Street. Additionally, milling and resurfacing work is ongoing on US 27 from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road.

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Traffic has been shifted to the northbound side of the intersection for Phase Two. Motorists should expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on both northbound and southbound lanes throughout the project limits.

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Intermittent lane closures will occur throughout the project, including:

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Northbound outside lane closures from Vision Street to McCoy Drive for right-turn lane and shoulder widening.

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Southbound inside lane closures for median curb installation.

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Temporary nighttime and daytime driveway closures at Wawa and Mobil will continue through May 2025. The Marathon gas station’s south driveway near Crestmore Drive will be closed, but the northern driveway will remain open.

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A partial driveway closure is in effect at La Michoacana Paleteria/ Carcamo’s Tires at 924 US 27 to accommodate ongoing construction activities.

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Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

Anticipated completion is late 2026.

State Road 25 (US 27) from South of Horn Road to South of Shoreline Drive: Construction project: Crews have begun milling, resurfacing, and widening the roadway. The project includes enhancing drainage, installing and upgrading guardrails, and adding concrete pavement markings and signage.

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Intermittent outside lane closures on northbound and southbound US 27 north of SR 70 for road widening from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Intermittent single-lane closures on northbound and southbound US 27 south of SR 70 for milling and resurfacing, operating 24 hours a day.

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Motorists should expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound outside lanes of US 27, as well as construction activity at the intersection of SR 70.

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Motorists should use caution, follow posted signs, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

Estimated completion is expected in early 2026.

SR 70 East from CR 721 (Brighton) to CR 29: Maintenance project: Crews will be repairing potholes along SR 70 East.

• Crews began pothole repair work on March 27, 2025, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and will continue operations as needed. Motorists should expect to see crews and equipment in the area, follow posted signs, anticipate possible delays, and allow extra travel time.

• Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures with flagging operations while crews complete pothole repairs. Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones.

SR 70 from Highlands County line to Okeechobee: Utility Maintenance project: Crews are installing new utility wires and replacing existing poles along SR 70. Crews began utility work in March 2025, and operations are expected to continue through the end of the year. Utility crews and equipment will be active throughout the corridor.

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This project is part of a larger pole replacement effort extending from DeSoto County through Highlands County and into Okeechobee County.

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Drivers are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate delays, and allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes during this work.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures along SR 70 as crews replace poles and install new wiring. Lane closures will be controlled by flagging operations in place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the work zone.

Estimated completion end of 2025

GLADES COUNTY

US 27 (SR 25) at SR 78 Intersection: Construction project: Crews will be reconstructing the intersection with concrete pavement. Other improvements include milling, resurfacing, drainage, guardrail, signing, and pavement markings. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers, traffic signage, detours and equipment throughout the project.

Beginning April 10 through May 8, 2025, SR 78 will be closed between US 27 and Industrial Drive for roadway reconstruction. Both eastbound and westbound turn lanes from US 27 to SR 78 will be closed during this time. Traffic traveling to and from SR 78 should follow posted signage and use

Industrial Drive as a detour route. Aside from this detour, the current traffic configuration along US 27 will remain unchanged.

Estimated completion is mid-2025.

SR 78 from North of Herbert Hoover Dike to County Road 721: Construction project: Crews will be removing and replacing the existing asphalt pavement along the SR 78 corridor between the north side of the Herbert Hoover Dike and County Road 721.

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One lane will remain open in the work zone. Flaggers will be present to assist and direct traffic in both directions using a single open lane.

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Shoulder closures will be in place April 6–12 in both the northbound and southbound directions. Dates are subject to change based on weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

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Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers, signage, flagging operations and equipment throughout the project.

Completion is expected in summer 2025.

SR 78 Lakeport: Maintenance project: Crews will be working along the shoulder, resetting guardrail on westbound SR 78 between Old Lakeport Road and US 27.

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One westbound lane closure will be in place as needed during this operation.

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Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers, equipment, and signage.

Expected completion is September 2025.

DESOTO COUNTY

SR 70 from Peace River to Southeast Baker Street: Construction project: Crews will reconstruct approximately 3.4 miles of SR 70 within the City of Arcadia, add new drainage facilities, add new and relocate sanitary and watermain utilities, install new traffic signals, reconstruct sidewalks, and add street lighting in various locations. During construction there will be lane closure on SR 70. Temporary pedestrian pathways will be installed for pedestrians during construction while sidewalks are under construction and detours will be in place during construction, while crews work on side roads; please follow signage and use caution in these areas.

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Motorists should expect lane closures on westbound and eastbound SR 70 throughout the project.

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Motorists should expect intermittent closures of side streets along east and westbound SR 70 to facilitate utility and drainage installations throughout the project. Please follow detour signs and allow extra travel time.

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New Traffic Pattern: Eastbound SR 70 traffic has been moved to the south side of the roadway.

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New Traffic Pattern: Westbound SR 70 traffic has been moved to the north side of the roadway, except between northbound US 17 and Manatee Ave.

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Please use caution and remain alert for traffic signs, detours, equipment, and workers in the construction zone.

Estimated completion is summer 2026.

SR 70 from Manatee County Line to CR 661: Construction project: Crews will resurface SR 70 from the Manatee County line to CR 661, widen turn lanes and road shoulders, regrade ditches and improve drainage, and perform full depth roadway reconstruction at various locations. During construction the speed limit has been reduced to 50 mph and there will be periodic lane closures on SR 70 from the Manatee County line to CR 661.

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Motorists should expect intermittent shoulder closures along SR 70 throughout the project.

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Motorists should expect lane closures on SR 70 from Manatee County line to County Road 661 throughout the project.

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Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the construction zone.

Estimated completion is mid-2025.

SR 70 from DCI (Desoto Correctional Institution) to Desoto/Highlands County Line: Utility Maintenance Project: Crews will be installing new utility wires and replacing existing poles.

• Utility work is expected to continue through July 2025. Utility crews and equipment will be active throughout the corridor.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures with one-lane flagging operations in place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures along SR 70 as crews replace poles and install new wiring. Lane closures will be controlled by flagging operations.

• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the work zone.

SR 31 from SR 70 to Charlotte County Line: Maintenance project: Crews will be removing and replacing reflective pavement markings on SR 31. Motorists should expect delays due to rolling operations throughout the project.

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Motorists should use caution and watch for workers and equipment in the roadway.

Estimated completion is expected for late March, but the schedule is subject to change based on weather and other factors.