FDOT RoadWatch Report for February 1 - February 7, 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

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. Construction began on Sunday, June 22, 2025. This project includes the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connection to bridge tender buildings.

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Testing will begin in early February 2026.

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

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

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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 testing is in late March 2026, weather permitting. S.R. 70/700 (U.S. 98) from West of U.S. 98 to East of NW 5th Avenue: Construction project: Crews will begin milling and resurfacing operations on S.R. 70/700 (U.S. 98) from west of U.S. 98 to east of NW 5th Avenue starting in October 2025. Work will include milling, resurfacing, and roadway restoration along the project corridor.

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Shoulder closures and intermittent lane closures may occur during construction. Motorists should expect possible traffic shifts and delays. Access to local driveways and businesses will be maintained at all times.

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Motorists should use caution, reduce speed, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone. The estimated completion is early 2026. S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from SW 23rd Street to SW 28th Street: Permit project: Crews will be removing a driveway connection and modifying a drainage inlet and concrete curbing along S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from SW 23rd Street to SW 28th Street.

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Southbound lane closures will occur during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic reduced to one lane as needed.

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Work will include drainage inlet adjustments and curbing modifications.

• Motorists should use caution, obey posted signage and flagging operations, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

The estimated remaining duration of activities is approximately six weeks. S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from NW 36th St to NE 120th St: Construction project: Crews will begin milling and resurfacing operations along the two-lane section from NE 130th Street to NE 131st Street. Work will be performed during daytime hours.

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Daytime lane closures will occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Additional pavement marking operations may take place throughout the corridor, and intermittent lane closures should be expected during work hours.

• Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers present in the construction zone.

• Drivers are urged to use caution, obey posted signage and flagging operations, and allow extra travel time. The estimated remaining duration of activities is four weeks. S.R. 15/U.S. 441 at SE 28th Street: Construction project: Crews are performing curb ramp replacements and installing sidewalk, curb, and gutter improvements at the intersection of S.R. 15/U.S. 441 and SE 28th Street. • Daytime turning-lane closures will occur along U.S. 441 at SE 28th Street. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers present in the construction zone. Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage and flagging operations. Estimated remaining duration of activities is six weeks. S.R. 15/US 441 from SW 23rd Street to SW 3rd Street: Construction project: Crews will perform milling, resurfacing, and pavement marking operations along S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from SW 23rd Street to SW 3rd Street. • Nighttime lane closures are expected from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. • Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers present in the construction zone.

• Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage.

Estimated remaining duration of activities is three weeks.

S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from Martin County Line to SE 30th Terrace: Construction project: will begin resurfacing work on S.R. 15 (U.S. 98) from SE 30th Terrace to the Martin County line. The project includes pavement resurfacing, grinding, new pavement markings, and shoulder treatment.

• Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers present in the construction zone.

• Daytime Lane closures will take place from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m.

• Additional pavement marking operations may occur throughout the corridor, and intermittent lane closures should be expected during work hours.

• Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage.

Estimated remaining duration of activities is five weeks. S.R. 78 from Lemkin Creek to S.R. 15/U.S. 98: Construction project: Crews are performing thermoplastic pavement marking operations along S.R. 78.

• Motorists should use caution, reduce speed in the area, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

• Nighttime lane closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Estimated remaining duration of activities is two weeks.

Overall project completion is expected in summer 2026. S.R. 710 from North of SE 48th St to Martin County Line: Construction project: Crews will begin milling and resurfacing operations along the project limits.

• Work will take place throughout the corridor and may include lane closures and traffic shifts as construction progresses.

• Nighttime flagging operations will occur from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, beginning Sunday night, Jan. 25, through April 20, 2026.

• Motorists should expect possible delays and changing traffic patterns

• Motorists should expect possible delays and changing traffic patterns. Drivers are urged to use caution, follow posted signage, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone. Estimated completion is summer 2026.

GLADES COUNTY

U.S. 27 (S.R. 25) at S.R. 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.

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Intermittent lane closures will occur on S.R. 78 and U.S. 27 from Jan. 5 through Feb. 15, 2026, to accommodate concrete grinding and moving thermoplastic operations.

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Motorists should use caution, follow posted signage, and watch for workers and equipment in the area. Estimated completion is early 2026.

HARDEE COUNTY

West Main Street from Hanchey Road to west of Florida Avenue: Construction project: Crews have begun a construction project along West Main Street from Hanchey Road to west of Florida Avenue. The project includes sidewalk construction, drainage improvements, curb and gutter work, new pavement markings, and replacement of ADA-compliant curb ramps.

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Additional shoulder and lane closures may take place as construction progresses

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

Estimated completion is early 2026.

S.R. 66 from U.S. 17 (S.R. 35) to Charlie Creek: Construction project: Crews have completed major reconstruction activities along S.R. 66 from U.S. 17 to Charlie Creek. The project included milling and resurfacing, sidewalk construction, drainage improvements, guardrail installation, curb and gutter work, new pavement markings, and other safety enhancements.

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Eastbound and westbound lane closures with flagging operations will occur from Magnolia Street to Acorn Road from Monday, Feb. 2, through Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.

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

Estimated project completion is early 2026.

S.R. 64 from Pear Street 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 lane closures will occur daily throughout the project limits as work continues.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures and nightly lane closures in areas where crews will be installing guardrail.

• The posted speed limit remains reduced to 45 mph within the construction zone.

• Motorists should expect changing traffic patterns, potential delays, and should follow posted signs and consider alternate routes when possible. Estimated project completion is early 2026.

HENDRY COUNTY

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

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Testing will begin in early February 2026.

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

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

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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 testing is in late March 2026, weather permitting.

S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road: Construction project: Crews will begin milling and resurfacing work on S.R. 25 (U.S. 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.

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Crews will continue guardrail installation along the westbound outside shoulder and sod installation throughout the corridor.

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Drivers should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone. Shoulder closures and intermittent lane closures may occur during construction.

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Motorists should expect possible traffic shifts and delays. Access to local driveways and businesses will be maintained at all times.

Estimated completion is the spring of 2026.

S.R. 29 from Oklahoma Avenue to Park Avenue: Construction project: Crews are performing drainage improvements, ditch reconstruction, pavement reconstruction, and other incidental construction activities along State Road 29 from Oklahoma Avenue to Park Avenue.

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Phase 1: North Lee Street will be closed between Washington Avenue and Fort Thompson Avenue. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately three weeks.

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Detour: Traffic will be routed along Washington Avenue, State Road 29 (Bridge Street), and Fort Thompson Avenue.

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Motorists should expect delays, follow posted detour signs, and use caution while traveling through the area.

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Drivers are urged to watch for workers, equipment, and changing traffic patterns in the construction zone.

Estimated completion is the spring of 2026.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Downtown Sebring (North Commerce Avenue): Special event permit project: The Cottage Market of Sebring will host its Farmers Market grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect to accommodate event setup and operations.

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North Commerce Avenue will be closed from Pomegranate Avenue to Circle Park Drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. A northbound and southbound detour will be in place using West Center Avenue, North Franklin Street, and Pomegranate Avenue. All roads are expected to reopen by 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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Motorists should use alternate routes, follow posted detour signs, and use caution in the area.

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

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Daily lane closures continue northbound and southbound U.S. 27 throughout the project limits for shoulder widening activities.

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Nightly lane closures are planned at the Tower Street intersection during the week of Feb. 1 to accommodate temporary roadway widening.

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Shoulder closures are in place in both directions throughout the project limits for outside shoulder widening activities.

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Intermittent lane closures will continue to occur throughout the corridor as construction progresses.

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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.

S.R. 25 (U.S. 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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Motorists should use caution, follow posted signs, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

Anticipated completion is early 2026.

S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) at Thunderbird Road: Utility permit project: A utility permit project will take place beginning in October 2025 and continuing through January 2026. Crews will be performing utility work at the intersection of S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) and Thunderbird Road.

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Motorists should use caution, reduce speed, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

S.R. 66 at U.S. 27: Permit construction project: A permit construction project is underway at S.R. 66 and U.S. 27 for roadway modifications associated with the RaceTrac Travel Center. The project includes widening S.R. 66 and installing additional roadway features within the median.

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Periodic lane closures and temporary traffic pattern changes may occur during both daytime and nighttime hours as work progresses.

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Nighttime operations may take place at various times throughout the project; schedules will be adjusted as needed.

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

S.R. 70 from Highlands County line to Okeechobee: Utility maintenance project: Crews are installing new utility wires and replacing existing poles along S.R. 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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Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures along S.R. 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.

DESOTO COUNTY

S.R. 70 from Peace River to Southeast Baker Street: Construction project: Crews will reconstruct approximately 3.4 miles of S.R. 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 S.R. 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.

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Eastbound S.R. 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. No lane restrictions are in place past Baker Street.

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Westbound S.R. 70 traffic shifts onto the south side of the roadway past Baker Street to facilitate construction of a new box culvert. Past Roger Avenue, traffic utilizes the newly constructed left lane until Luther Avenue. Between Luther Avenue and Manatee Avenue, westbound traffic is using the right lane. At Manatee Avenue, traffic shifts into the newly constructed left lane. No lane restrictions are in place past the Peace River.

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Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, through 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2025, rotating lane closures will occur on southbound U.S. 17 (DeSoto Avenue) at eastbound S.R. 70 (Magnolia Avenue) to facilitate utility installation by the City of Arcadia. Truck traffic turning from southbound U.S. 17 onto eastbound S.R. 70 will be detoured onto Pine Street via southbound U.S. 17. From Pine Street, trucks may travel to northbound U.S. 17, and then eastbound S.R. 70. Truck drivers and motorists should follow posted detour signs. Traffic on Pine Street should use caution around large turning vehicles and allow additional space.

• Motorists are urged to use caution when approaching traffic shifts and to follow all lane markings and posted signage. Estimated completion is early to mid-2027.

S.R. 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.

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Utility work is expected to continue through March 2026. Utility crews and equipment will be active throughout the corridor.

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

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

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

S.R. 31 from Residential Way (former G. Pearce Wood facility) to C.R. 760A: Utility maintenance project: Crews are installing new FM, removing existing FM, and performing grading and sodding activities along the corridor.

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Utility work is expected to continue through March 2026, with crews and equipment active throughout the project limits.

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

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