FDOT RoadWatch Report for August 31 - September 6, 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

SR 15/US 441 from NE 39th Blvd to NW 3rd St: Construction project: Crews will be performing curb ramp replacements and sidewalk, curb, and gutter installations during daytime hours with no lane closures.

• Motorists should expect intermittent lane closure during daytime and nighttime along the project limits and be aware of heavy equipment and workers present in the construction zone.

• Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage and flagging operations. • The estimated remaining duration of activities is 3-4 weeks

SR 15 (US 98/ US 441) from Martin County Line to SE 108th Drive: Construction project: will begin resurfacing work on SR 15 (US 98) from SE 30th Terrace to the Martin County line. The project includes pavement resurfacing, grinding, new pavement markings, and shoulder treatment. • Crews will be performing milling and sod treatment along the shoulder during daytime hours with no lane closures. • Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures during daytime and nighttime along the project limits and be aware of heavy equipment and workers present in the construction zone.

• Construction operations will be suspended from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 for the Labor Day holiday. • Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage and flagging operations.

Estimated project completion is early 2026.

Overall project completion is expected in summer 2026.

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Okeechobee County): Construction Project: The Florida Department of Transportation is installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at the US 41/US 98 (SR 700) Taylor Creek Bridge in Okeechobee County. This project includes the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connection to bridge tender buildings.

•

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

•

Motorists are advised that there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures throughout the duration of construction.

•

Motorists should expect lane closures during the nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

•

Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway.

Estimated completion of construction is in October 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 of Palm Drive to remove and replace Bridge No. 060034 over Little Payne Creek.

•

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.

•

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 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.

•

The detour 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.

•

Phase II reconstruction work began on June 24, 2025. Westbound SR 66 remains closed, with the same detour route in effect. This phase supports additional resurfacing and safety improvements. Portable message signs and barricades are in place. Temporary pedestrian routes are provided where sidewalks are closed.

•

Motorists should anticipate longer delays in queues, follow posted signs, and consider alternative routes.

Estimated project completion is early 2026

SR 64 from Pear St to S Barlow Road: Construction project: The State Road 64 improvement project in Hardee County includes milling and resurfacing existing pavement, reconstructing worn sections of roadway, improving drainage systems, replacing and installing guardrails, updating signage and pavement markings, and enhancing driveway turnouts for safer access. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers, traffic signage, detours and equipment throughout the project.

•

Intermittent single-lane closures on SR 64 eastbound and southbound will occur throughout the project limits for driveway milling and paving operations.

•

Motorists should use caution in the area, watch for workers, equipment, and signage, and expect changing traffic patterns.

•

Motorists should anticipate longer delays in queues, follow posted signs, and consider alternative routes.

Estimated project completion is early 2026

HENDRY COUNTY

SR 25 (US 27) from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road: Construction project: Crews will begin milling and resurfacing work on SR 25 (US 27) from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road in Hendry County. The project includes

guardrail improvements, drainage enhancements, updated signage, and new pavement markings.

•

Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures in both eastbound and westbound directions for the installation of work zone signs, erosion control devices, drainage improvements, removal and replacement of guardrail, placement of miscellaneous asphalt pavement, and milling and resurfacing of the mainline.

•

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

Estimated completion is Summer of 2026.

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Hendry County): Construction Project: The Florida Department of Transportation is installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at the SR 29 (Bridge Street) Caloosahatchee River Bridge (Labelle) in Hendry County. Construction began Sunday, June 15, 2025. This project includes the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connection to bridge tender buildings.

•

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

•

Motorists are advised that there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures throughout the duration of construction.

•

Motorists should expect lane closures during the nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

•

Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion of construction is in October 2025.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

US 27 (State Road 25) and SR 66: Permit project: crews will be constructing a westbound right turn lane on SR 66 and access to the new RaceTrac Gas Station on the northwest corner of this intersection. This will include constructing a concrete median between the westbound travel lane and the eastbound left turn lane.

•

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

•

Watch for shoulder closures and intermittent lane closures on southbound US 27 and westbound SR 66.

•

Work will be conducted during daylight hours, including constructing a new access and median.

•

Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone and upgrading guardrails and updating signage.

Anticipated project completion is September 2025.

US 98 (State Road 700) from East of Floral Drive to East of County Road 621: Construction project: Crews have begun milling, resurfacing, and widening the roadway. The project also includes drainage enhancements, guardrail upgrades, and updated signage.

•

Shoulder closures will be in place on both northbound and southbound US 98 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

•

US 98 will be reduced to one lane with flagging operations to allow for construction activities. Three-mile closures will resume next week to accommodate paving operations.

•

Construction operations will be suspended from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 for the Labor Day holiday.

•

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

Estimated completion is expected in late 2025.

SR 17 from Roberta Avenue to Pasadena Avenue in Sebring: Utility permit project: Duke Energy crews will be performing utility improvements along SR 17, including pole replacements, transformer upgrades, and overhead line reconductoring as part of a storm hardening initiative. Tree trimming will also take place to ensure proper clearance from electrical infrastructure.

•

Work will occur along SR 17 between Roberta Avenue and Pasadena Avenue in Sebring.

•

Activities include utility pole replacement, line upgrades, transformer installation, and vegetation management.

•

No lane closures are currently anticipated; however, motorists may encounter shoulder work and intermittent traffic impacts. Flaggers may be present to assist with safe traffic flow.

Motorists should use caution in the area and be alert for crews and equipment near the roadway.

SR 25 (US 27) from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road and SR 25 (US 27) from North of Tower Street to South of Tower Street: Construction project: Crews are reconstructing rigid pavement on SR 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.

•

Caution: New Traffic Pattern. Traffic has been shifted into Phase III to reopen the southbound lanes. Motorists should expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on both northbound and southbound lanes throughout the project limits.

•

Nighttime lane closure on US 27 and Interlake Boulevard / CR 621 intersection to construct a new signalized intersection.

•

Southbound outside lane closures are in place between E Royal Palm Street and Shoreline Drive.

•

Median access at CR 29 and Old State Rd 8 will be permanently closed to improve safety and traffic flow.

•

Motorists should use caution, as a new median configuration is in place at Heartland Boulevard.

•

Motorists should anticipate an inside lane closure northbound and southbound between Shoreline Drive and Interlake Boulevard for median widening.

•

Shoulder closures are ongoing in both directions between Shoreline Drive and south of Interlake Boulevard, and from Lake Clay Drive South to Tomoka Boulevard North, for the lighting scope of work.

•

Wawa and Mobil driveways have been reopened

•

Construction operations will be suspended August 29 through September 1 for the Labor Day holiday.

•

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

Anticipated completion is late 2026.

SR 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.

•

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

•

Intermittent lane closures for paving operations resume and will continue throughout the duration of the project. Three-mile Lane closures will be in place in both northbound and southbound directions to accommodate this work.

•

Construction operations will be suspended from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 for the Labor Day holiday.

•

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

Estimated completion is expected in early 2026.

Lakeview Drive (SR 17) near Ridgewood Drive in Sebring: Utility permit project: Crews began utility work along Lakeview Drive on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the north end where Lakeview and Ridgewood Drive merge.

•

Lane closures will be in place throughout the work zone. During crane operations, both travel lanes on Lakeview Drive will be closed, and traffic will be shifted using the center turn lane.

•

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

Estimated completion is December 2025

SR 66 from Payne Road to US 27 (State Road 25): Utility permit project: Crews are installing new utility wires and replacing existing poles along State Road 66. Additional work includes the installation of underground utilities.

•

Watch for shoulder closures and workers near the roadway.

•

Motorists should use caution in the area and be alert for equipment and signage.

Expected completion is September 2025.

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.

•

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

•

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.

•

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

Estimated completion end of 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. The project includes the installation of new drainage facilities, relocation and addition of sanitary and water and utilities, upgrading traffic signals, reconstructing sidewalks, and installing street lighting in various locations. During construction, lane closures will occur on SR 70. Temporary pedestrian pathways are in place while sidewalks are under construction. Detours will be implemented while crews work on side roads. Please follow posted signage and use caution in the area.

• Eastbound SR 70 traffic is currently using the right lane from the Peace River to Baldwin Avenue. Between Baldwin Avenue and Dade Avenue, traffic shifts to the left lane, then back to the right lane past Dade Avenue. Traffic continues in the south lane until Roger Avenue, where it shifts back to the north lane. No lane restrictions are in place past Baker Street.

• Westbound SR 70 traffic remains in the right lane for the entire length of the project from 10th Ave. to the Peace River. No lane restrictions are in place past the Peace River. Estimated completion is early to mid-2027

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 December 2025. Utility crews and equipment will be active throughout the corridor.

•

Motorists should expect intermittent daytime and nighttime lane closures with one-lane flagging operations in place.

•

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.

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.

•

SR 78 is closed between US 27 for roadway reconstruction, with the closure in effect through September 2, 2025. Both eastbound and westbound turn lanes from US 27 to SR 78 are also closed during this time. Traffic traveling to and from SR 78 should follow posted signage and use Industrial Drive as a detour route.

•

Upcoming Traffic Switch: A traffic switch is scheduled for the night of Sept. 14, 2025. Traffic on SR 78 will use the newly built detour along the south side of the roadway. The detour along Industrial Drive will be closed, and the entrance to Industrial Drive from SR 78 will also be closed. Access to businesses on Industrial Drive will be available only through the entrance from northbound US 27. Both directions of US 27 will be open in their permanent configuration, with two lanes open in each direction.

•

Construction operations will be suspended August 29 through September 1 for the Labor Day holiday. Estimated completion is fall 2025.

SR 78 over Fisheating Creek Bridge and Herbert Hoover Bridge: Construction project: Crews began bridge repair and rehabilitation work on SR 78 at the Fisheating Creek Bridge and Herbert Hoover Bridge.

• Motorists should anticipate shoulder closures in both northbound and southbound directions, extending through the weekend.

• Crews will be performing intermittent single lane closures on SR 78 just south of Lake Port in both northbound and southbound directions during daytime hours, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout September. Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage.

•

Construction operations will be suspended August 29 through September 1 for the Labor Day holiday.

• Motorists should anticipate shoulder closures in both northbound and southbound directions, extending through the weekend.

Estimated completion is late 2025