FDOT RoadWatch Report for January 18 - January 24, 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

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 are performing milling and resurfacing operations along S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from the Martin County Line to SE 30th Terrace. Work will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours.

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Nighttime lane closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews complete pavement marking activities. Additional pavement marking operations may occur 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.

• Nighttime lane closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. 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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Both S.R. 78 and U.S. 27 have reopened, and traffic is now operating normally.

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Intermittent lane closures will occur on S.R. 78 and U.S. 27 from Jan. 5 through Jan. 28, 2026, to accommodate concrete grinding and moving thermoplastic operations.

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Intermittent lane closures will also occur at the eastbound U.S. 27 left-turn lane to Industrial Drive and along Industrial Drive between U.S. 27 and the Glades Business Park entrance from Jan. 5 through Jan. 16, 2026, to adjust manhole grades and repave friction course. Traffic needing to access Industrial Drive will be directed to use the entrance from S.R. 78

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Motorists should use caution, follow posted signage, and watch for workers and equipment in the area. Estimated completion is fall 2025.

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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Driveway closures will occur at various locations throughout the project limits as crews continue sidewalk and drainage work. Access will be maintained where possible, and advance notice will be provided to affected properties.

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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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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.

• Beginning Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, 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

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, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at 7 a.m. 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 (S.R. 17 and surrounding streets): Special event permit project: The Rotary Club of Highlands County will host the Annual Crazy Pepper Chili Cook Off on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, from 9 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown area.

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Beginning at 7 a.m., North Ridgewood Drive (S.R. 17), South Ridgewood Drive (S.R. 17), Circle Park Drive, North Commerce Avenue, South Commerce Avenue, West Center Avenue, and East Center Avenue will be closed between various downtown intersections to accommodate the event.

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A northbound and southbound detour will be in place along Franklin Street, Park Street, North Pine Street, and Lakeview Drive to route traffic around the event area.

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All roads are expected to reopen by 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

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

Downtown Sebring (S.R. 17 and surrounding streets): Special event permit project: The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will take place on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, from noon to approximately 1 p.m. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown Sebring area.

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Beginning at 11 a.m., East Center Avenue will be closed from South Orange Street to Pine Street for parade staging. Beginning at 11:45 a.m., Circle Park Drive, North and South Ridgewood Drive (S.R. 17), North and South Commerce Avenue, West Center Avenue, North Pine Street, Lemon Avenue,

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Washington Avenue, Harris Street, and Walker Avenue will be closed along the parade route

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A northbound and southbound detour will be in place using Franklin Street, Park Street, North Pine Street, and Lakeview Drive to route traffic around the event area.

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Most roads are expected to reopen by 1 p.m. Washington Avenue, Harris Street, and Walker Avenue are expected to reopen by approximately 5:30 p.m.

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

U.S. 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.

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Beginning in January, crews will continue guardrail repairs and complete final roadway repair work.

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

Estimated completion is expected in January 2026.

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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Nightly lane closures will occur from Tuesday, Jan. 20, through Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, for signalization span wire installation and roadway widening at the Dal Hall intersection.

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

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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 December, 2025. 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 6:00 P.M. Friday, January 16th, 2025, through 6:00 A.M. Monday, January 19th, 2025, rotating lane closures on NB US 17 (Brevard Ave.) will be implemented at EB SR 70 (Magnolia Ave.) to facilitate the installation of City of Arcadia utilities. As a part of these lane closures, there will be a detour for truck traffic turning onto NB US 17 from EB SR 70. Trucks will be detoured onto Pine St. via SB US 17. From Pine St, truck traffic can turn onto NB US 17. Truck traffic is urged to utilize caution in the area and follow all posted detour signs. Traffic on Pine St. is urged to utilize caution around turning trucks and provide ample 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.