FDOT RoadWatch Report for July 20 - July 26, 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 NW 23rd Lane to NW 30th Lane: Construction project: Crews

will be performing curb ramp replacements and installing sidewalk, curb, and

gutter at various locations along SR 15.

• Northbound and southbound single outside lane closures will occur

throughout the project, with traffic being reduced to one lane as needed.

• Northbound and southbound lanes will not be closed simultaneously.

• 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 project duration is three weeks.

SR 70 at Kissimmee River Bridge and Popash Slough Bridge: Construction project:

Crews began bridge repair and rehabilitation work on SR 70 at the Kissimmee

River Bridge and Popash Slough Bridge.

• Intermittent lane closures will occur throughout the project, with traffic being

reduced to one lane as needed from 7 a.m. to 7 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 project completion is summer 2025.

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.

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 north lane up to Lee Avenue.

Between Lee Avenue and Dade Avenue, traffic shifts to the south lane and

continues in the south lane until Roger Avenue, where it shifts back to the

north lane.

• Westbound SR 70 traffic remains on the north side of the roadway until

Volusia Avenue, where it shifts to the south lane. Between Polk Avenue and

Monroe Avenue, traffic shifts back to the north lane.

• Westbound SR 70 traffic between Volusia Avenue and Polk Avenue is

expected to shift from the south side to the north lane in approximately one

month.

• Crews continue paving and installing curb, sidewalk, and drainage structures.

Intermittent side street closures and flagging operations are in effect

throughout the corridor.

• Pedestrian access is maintained via temporary walkways in active sidewalk

construction areas.

• Motorists should expect delays, follow posted signage, and use caution in

the construction zone.

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 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 70 at Lily Avenue in the City of Arcadia: Permit project: NorthStar crews will be

performing a source removal project near the intersection of SR 70 and Lily

Avenue.

• Crews will implement a lane closure with flagging operations beginning at

approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11–12,

2025.The lane closure is necessary to support the removal of contaminated

soil at this location.

• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures along SR 70. 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 August 22, 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.

Estimated completion is fall 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.

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

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

and signage.

Expected completion is September 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 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 completion is 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.

• Reconstruction Phase II work started June 24, 2025. Westbound SR 66 will

remain closed, with the same detour route in effect. This closure supports

additional resurfacing and safety work. Portable changeable message signs

and barricades will be in place. Temporary pedestrian routes will be provided

where sidewalks are closed.

• A temporary signal is in place around the clock, eastbound closure from

Nursery Road to Oak Thicket Lane from July to August 2025.

• Lane closures and flagging operations may occur on westbound and

eastbound SR 66 during nighttime hours from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will

perform milling and paving operations.

• Motorists should anticipate longer delays in queues, follow posted signs, and

consider alternative routes.

Completion is expected in 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.

• Construction is scheduled to begin on July 25, 2025.

• Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures in both eastbound and

westbound directions for the installation of work zone signs, erosion control

devices, and the removal and replacement of guardrail.

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

in the construction zone

Estimated completion of construction is in Summer 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 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 for drainage improvements 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.

• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and

equipment in the construction zone and upgrading guardrails and updating

signage.

Estimated completion is expected in late 2025.

US 98 (State Road 700) from US 27 to Tubbs Road: Utility permit project: Starting

the week of April 14, 2025, and work will continue until the end of July 2025.

Crews will be installing underground utilities along US 98.

• Watch for shoulder closures and workers near the roadway.

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

SR 17 (West Main Street) in Avon Park: Railroad Project: Eastbound lanes of SR 17

(West Main Street) in Avon Park will be closed to through traffic beginning at 6

a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, for railroad repair or maintenance work.

• The closure will remain in effect overnight, with the roadway expected to reopen

by 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. All motorists should follow posted detour routes.

• Detours will guide traffic around the closure using DeSoto Avenue, Verona

Avenue, Lake Avenue, and West Pleasant Street.

• Motorists should plan for additional travel time and use caution in the area.

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.

• Traffic has been shifted to the northbound side of the intersection on US 27

at Dal Hall Boulevard and Tower Street for Phase Two. Motorists should

expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on both northbound and

southbound lanes throughout the project limits.

• Construction operations will be suspended from July 25–27, 2025, for the

Caladium Festival.

• Nighttime lane closure on US 27 and Interlake Boulevard / CR 621

intersection to construct a new signalized intersection.

• Motorists should use caution, as a new median configuration is in place at

Heartland Boulevard.

• Inside lane closure northbound and southbound between Shoreline Drive of

Interlake Boulevard for median widening.

• Shoulder closures 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.

• Temporary driveway closures at Wawa and Mobil will continue through July

2025.

• 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 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.

• Intermittent lane closures for paving operations will resume next week,

beginning July 13, 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.

• 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:

Beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, crews will begin utility work along Lakeview

Drive, starting at the north end where Lakeview and Ridgewood Drive merge.

• The project involves the installation of new equipment and is expected to

take approximately two weeks, Monday through Friday, weather permitting.

• 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.

SR 66 from South Orange Blossom Boulevard to US 27 (SR 25): Permit project:

Crews will install aerial and underground fiber optic lines for Glades Electric,

including 9,290 feet of fiber on existing poles and 4,054 feet in new conduit with

10 handholes.

• Work takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Traffic will alternate with one lane at a time, and both lanes will be open

outside working hours. Motorists should use caution and watch for workers

in the work zone.

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.