FDOT RoadWatch Report for June 28 - July 4, 2026

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 U.S. 441/US 98 (S.R. 700) Taylor Creek Bridge in Okeechobee County. Construction began on Sunday, June 22, 2026. 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 July 2026, weather permitting.

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. • Intermittent lane closures will occur as needed from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout construction activities. • 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 2026.

S.R. 15 from SE 138th Avenue to SE 128th Boulevard: Permit project: Crews will perform overhead pole hardening operations along the corridor. • Work will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 3, 2026. • Intermittent lane closures will occur during work activities. • 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. S.R. 15 from NE 208th Street to NE 224th Street: Permit project: Crews will replace a damaged FPL utility pole along the corridor. • Work is scheduled Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Intermittent lane closures will occur during work activities. • Motorists should expect possible delays and use caution while traveling through the work zone. • 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.

• Work is expected to continue through July 10, 2026, if needed. S.R. 15 from 23rd Street to Southwest 28th Street: Permit project: Motorists can expect lane closures on southbound S.R. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting on June 15 and

continuing through June 26 so that FPL can remove stub poles. Expect delays and the presence of workers in the work area. S.R. 15 from SE 126th Boulevard to SE 138th Avenue: Permit project: Motorists can expect lane closures on southbound and northbound S.R. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting on June 15 and continuing through June 26 so that crews can install poles and a span crossing S.R. 441. Expect delays and the presence of workers in the work area.

S.R. 700 (U.S. 98) from NW 16th Boulevard to NW 18th Street: Permit project: Crews will install a wood utility pole on the east shoulder of S.R. 700 near NW 18th Street. • Work is scheduled June 29 through July 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. • Operations will take place on the shoulder adjacent to the roadway. • Motorists should use caution while traveling through the area and watch for workers and equipment near the roadway. • 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.

• Work is expected to continue through July 31, 2026, if needed.

HENDRY COUNTY

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Hendry County): Construction Project: The Florida Department of Transportation began installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at S.R. 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 May 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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Work is ongoing along the corridor from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road. Crews will continue with the installation of roadway signs throughout the project limits. Drainage and guardrail work continues on the north and south side of

S.R. 25, along with project site clean-up, mowing, grading and sodding.

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Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures in both eastbound and westbound directions for these ongoing construction activities.

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

Estimated completion is the summer of 2026.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road and 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 on northbound and southbound S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) for paving and shoulder widening activities throughout the project limits.

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Motorists should use caution at the U.S. 27 and Dal Hall Boulevard/Tower Street intersection due to construction traffic entering and leaving the work zone.

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A northbound lane shift remains in place at the U.S. 27 and Dal Hall Boulevard/Tower Street intersection. Drivers should use extra caution in this area.

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Tower Street at U.S. 27 remains closed, and the detour remains in effect for intersection work. Eastbound and westbound Tower Street traffic is detoured via C.R. 621 and East Interlake Boulevard. Access to the T-Mobile store and H&R Block remains open. Motorists should use caution and follow posted detour signage in the area.

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The northbound U.S. 27 entrance to Dunkin' is closed today, June 25, only to allow crews to perform concrete pavement grinding. The entrance is expected to reopen later this evening. Access to Dunkin' remains available via the Tower Street entrance and from C.R. 621.

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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. 17 from C.R. 17 (Kenilworth Boulevard) to East of U.S. 98/U.S. 27 and from South of Lake Verona Boulevard to South Delaney Avenue: Construction project: Crews are beginning roadway improvements along S.R. 17 in Highlands County. The project includes milling and resurfacing, drainage improvements, sidewalk and curb upgrades, signalization and lighting enhancements, railroad crossing reconstruction, and new signage and pavement markings.

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Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and continue through spring 2027.

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Daytime and nighttime lane closures may occur throughout the project. Traffic may be reduced to a single lane, and periodic road closures may be necessary during construction activities.

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

Estimated completion is in spring 2027.

S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) South of Hammock Road: Permit construction project: Permit-related construction activities will take place along U.S. 27 south of Hammock Road.

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Periodic lane closures may occur as trucks enter and exit the work site. Motorists should use caution, reduce speed, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

The project is expected to last approximately six months.

S.R. 70 West of U.S. 27: Permit construction project: FP&L crews will construct a new driveway connection to a substation and perform shoulder improvements along the corridor.

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Work is expected to continue over the next two weeks.

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

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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 April 2026, 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 is mid-2026.

S.R. 70 near the Seminole Electric Substation: Maintenance project: A utility company will be performing maintenance activities at the Seminole Electric Substation beginning June 28, 2026.

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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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Intermittent lane closures are scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, and Thursday, July 2, 2026, to accommodate maintenance operations.

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

GLADES COUNTY

S.R. 78 from Buckhead Road NE to Access Road: Permit project: Crews will perform overhead pole hardening operations along the corridor.

• Work will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 3, 2026.

• Intermittent lane closures will occur during work activities.

• Motorists should expect possible delays and are urged to use caution while traveling through the work zone.

S.R. 78 in Lakeport from Old Lakeport Road to U.S. 27: Maintenance project: Crews will be conducting ditch cleaning operations along the westbound side of S.R. 78.

• Work is scheduled to begin late June and continue through July 30, 2026.

• The westbound lane will be closed during daytime hours throughout the duration of this operation.

• Motorists should expect possible delays and are urged to use caution while traveling through the work zone.

• Expected completion is July 30, 2026.

HARDEE COUNTY

U.S. 17 (S.R. 35) at S.R. 62 and from Rea Road to S.R. 62: Construction project: Crews are installing new traffic signals and roadway lighting along U.S. 17 in Hardee County. Work includes signalization improvements at the S.R. 62 intersection and lighting installation along approximately 1.2 miles of the corridor.

• Intermittent daytime lane closures may occur throughout the project limits as construction activities continue.

• Crews will continue traffic signal installation and related roadway improvements at the U.S. 17 and S.R. 62 intersection.

• Intermittent lane closures are expected from June through July 2026 to accommodate ongoing signal, roadway, and lighting construction activities.

• Motorists should expect possible delays, follow posted signs, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.

• Drivers are urged to watch for workers, equipment, and changing traffic patterns in the area. Estimated project completion is fall 2026.

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 the construction of a new box culvert. Past Roger Avenue, traffic utilizes the newly constructed left lane to Hillsborough Avenue. Between Hillsborough Avenue and Manatee Avenue, westbound traffic is currently utilizing the right lane. At Manatee Avenue, traffic switches into the newly constructed left lane. No lane restrictions are in place past the Peace River.

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Nearby City of Arcadia, utility and roadway construction on adjacent side streets along the project is ongoing, requiring the closure of certain streets at S.R. 70. Motorists are urged to follow all detour signs and expect delays while this work continues.

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Paving operations on eastbound and westbound S.R. 70 are scheduled throughout the project corridor June 22-26, 2026. Motorists should use caution and watch for trucks entering and exiting the highway.

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

S.R. 70 from Townsend 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 July 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 are unloading equipment and materials, replacing poles and installing 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 S.R. 70 south to the DeSoto/Charlotte County line: Maintenance project: Crews will perform various shoulder maintenance activities along the corridor throughout the remainder of June and July.

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Daytime shoulder work will occur at various locations along S.R. 31 as maintenance operations progress.

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Motorists should expect workers and equipment near the roadway and may encounter intermittent traffic impacts.

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Drivers are urged to pay attention to advance warning signs, reduce speed, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.

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Motorists should allow extra travel time and be prepared for changing conditions as work progresses along the corridor.

Work is expected to continue through July 2026.