FDOT RoadWatch Report for March 2 - 8, 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.

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.

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

· 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.

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

· 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.

· 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.

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

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

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

Estimated completion is mid-2025.

GLADES COUNTY

US 27 in Boars Hammock Area Railroad Crossing: Railroad Crossing Maintenance: Crews will perform crossing reconstruction and asphalt restoration over two weekends, requiring lane closures in both directions.

· Northbound lane closure until Saturday, February 22, at 10 p.m.

· South bound lane closure from Friday, February 28, at 11a.m., until Saturday, March 1, at 10 p.m.

· Law enforcement officers will be on-site. Expect intermittent lane closures, with traffic restricted to a single lane in each direction.

· Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and law enforcement personnel along the work zone.

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.

US 27 between St Joseph Way Road and Little H Street will have two (2) westbound lanes closed and detoured to the eastbound lane, and one (1) eastbound inside lane closed to accommodate westbound traffic, as needed, continuing around the clock until March 16, 2025, for road reconstruction.

Estimated completion is mid-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. Lane closures may be conducted during this operation. Please use caution in the area. Expected completion is September 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.

· 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 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 lane closure and flagging operations on westbound and eastbound State Route 66 between Sweetwater Road to Highlands County Line from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from January to February 2025. Multiple closures may occur on opposite ends of the projects during the same day.

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, and motorists can expect a detour 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.

· Expect lane closures and flagging operations on westbound and eastbound State Route 66 between Schoolhouse Road to Sweetwater Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., February to March 2025. Multiple closures may occur on opposite ends of the project during the same day.

· Milling and resurfacing are ongoing, and motorists should expect longer delays in the queues and may want to consider using alternate routes.

Completion is expected in early 2026.

SR 64 from West of Prescott Road to Morgan Grice Road: Construction project: Crews will resurface SR 64 from west of Prescott Road to Morgan Grice Road. Improvements will include milling, resurfacing and safety improvements. Please use caution in this area and watch out for workers and equipment throughout the project.

· Crews will be paving through February 2025. Paving crews and equipment will be on-site. Motorists are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate possible delays, and allow for additional travel time or consider alternate routes during this work.

· Motorists should expect nighttime lane closures and flagging operations on westbound and eastbound SR 64 from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. Please use caution in the area and remain alert for workers and equipment in the work zones.

· Motorists should expect delays, seek alternate routes, and use caution in the area.

SR 636 from 5th Avenue to Rust Avenue: Temporary Road Closure: Construction project: Crews will mill and resurface State Road 636 (East Main Street) from 5th Avenue to Rust Avenue. The roadway will be fully closed to accommodate the work. Sidewalk and driveway access will remain open, and local traffic will have access.

• Full closure of SR 636 between 5th Avenue and Rust Avenue from 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2, to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 2025.

• A detour route will be in place to guide drivers around the closure:

o Southbound US 17 traffic wanting to turn east on SR 636 will be rerouted via E Palmetto St → Rust Avenue.

o Northbound US 17 traffic wanting to turn east on SR 636 will use East Bay Street → Griffin Road.

o Motorists should expect delays and follow posted detour signs.

o Please use caution in the area and watch for workers, traffic signage, and equipment throughout the project.

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

No current projects.

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.

• Be prepared for flagging operations and intermittent lane closures south of Bluff Hammock Road through the duration of milling and resurfacing. Flagging crews and equipment will be on-site. Motorists are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate possible delays, and allow for additional travel time or consider alternate routes during this work.

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

Estimated completion is expected in fall 2025.

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 were completed on US 27 from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road.

· Crews will switch traffic to the northbound side of the intersection for phase two. Motorists should expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound lanes of State Road 25 (US 27).

· Expect a temporary nighttime driveway closure at Wawa and Mobil from through February 2025.

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

Anticipated completion fall 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.

· 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.

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

Estimated completion is expected in early 2026.

State Route 66 from Sparta Road to Payne Street: Permit Project: Crews will be working on overhead wires. The project includes installing new wires and replacing some existing poles. Utility work will take from 6 weeks expect intermittent lane closures with one-lane flagging operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the work zones.

SR 17 from Home Avenue to Evangeline Avenue: Permit maintenance project: Crews will be installing new utility poles on State Route 17 between Home Avenue and Evangeline Avenue. Through February 2025, expect intermittent lane closures with one lane flagging operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the work zones.

SR 17 from Evangeline Street to Ramona Avenue: Utility permit project: Crews will begin work on overhead utilities. Most work will take place on the shoulder but may extend into the bike lane. Flagging operations will be in place, with no lane closures expected. Motorists are urged to use caution, watch for workers, and follow all posted signs.

SR 17 at Sebring Circle: Special permit: Crews will be implementing road closures for the IMSA 12 Hour Fan Fest event. Sebring Circle and North Ridgewood Drive will be closed from Wall Street to Sebring Parkway on Tuesday, March 11, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Additional state and local road closures will occur in Downtown Sebring before, during, and after the event. Detour signs will be in place. Please use caution in the area.

North Commerce, West Center, South Ridgewood, South Commerce, East Center, and North Ridgewood at Circle Park Drive: Special permit: The City of Sebring will be implementing road closures for the Home Town Takeover Watch Party event. The listed roads will be closed from Circle Park Drive to Wall Street on Sunday, March 9, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Detour signs will be in place. Please use caution in the area.

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.

• Expect daytime and nighttime lane closures with traffic reduced to one lane.

• Ongoing permit work for a utility crossing will begin Monday, February 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A one-lane flagging operation with an open cut will close northbound and southbound lanes one at a time, allowing one lane of traffic flow. This work is expected to last a week, with both lanes open outside working hours.

• Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones.

US 98 (SR 15/US 441/Parrott Avenue) from SW 23rd Street to SW 14th Street and US 98 (SR 15/US441/Parrott Avenue) from SW 3rd Street to SW 5th Street: Construction project: Crews will work on two projects in the area which will include milling, resurfacing, base work, drainage improvements, stormwater pond construction, ditch and shoulder regrading, curb and gutter, sidewalks, signing and pavement markings. There may be daytime and nighttime lane closures and traffic may be reduced to one lane in various areas. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the work zones.

• Crews will begin paving operations on SW 21st Street. Paving crews and equipment are on-site. Please follow posted signs, be aware of possible delays, including additional travel time, or consider alternate routes during the repair.

• Crews will perform construction activities, including lane closures of the northbound and southbound lanes of US 441 between SE 2nd Street and SE 5th Street.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime eastbound and westbound lane closures while crews complete paving operations.

US 98 (SR 700) from NW 80th Avenue to NW 160th Street: Construction Project: Crews will be working on a construction project along US 98 (SR 700) between NW 80th Avenue and approximately half a mile north of NW 160th Street. The project includes milling, paving, sodding, and striping to improve road quality and safety in the area. Daytime lane closures will occur, and traffic may be reduced to one lane at a time. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the work zones.

• Crews will begin grading, sodding, and striping operations through February 2025. Crews and equipment will be on-site daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please follow posted signs, be aware of possible delays, allow for additional travel time, or consider alternate routes. Flaggers will be present to guide traffic safely through the work zone.

• Motorists should expect intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures while crews complete the paving and associated construction tasks.

Anticipated completion is early 2025.

SR 70 Temporary Road Closure for Special Event: Special permit project: The Speckled Perch Parade will take place on March 8, 2025, in Okeechobee County. The closure is necessary to accommodate parade participants and ensure safety.

• The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control. Expect full roadway closure, with detours in place to direct traffic around the event.

• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for pedestrians, parade participants, and law enforcement personnel.

SR 70 from Highlands County Line to SW 21st Avenue: Construction project: Crews will be working on radial widening, drainage, signage, traffic markings, roadway resurfacing, and rumble strip grinding. There will be lane closures during construction on SR 70.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime eastbound and westbound lane closures while crews work on grading, grassing and paving work.

Anticipated completion is early 2025.

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 will begin paving operations on Sunday, January 12, continuing through February 2025. Paving crews and equipment will be on-site. Motorists are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate possible delays, and allow for additional travel time or consider alternate routes during this work. Motorists should expect intermittent nighttime eastbound and westbound lane closures while crews complete paving operations.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime and nighttime lane closures to take place both eastbound and westbound on SR 70 between NE 17th Avenue and NE 4th Avenue for curb/sidewalk removal and pour back. Lane closures will take place in the outside travel lanes.

Anticipated completion is early 2025.