FDOT RoadWatch Report for March 14 - March 21, 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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Nighttime lane closures will take place beginning Thursday, February 12, and continue through the following week as crews perform construction activities.

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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 NW 36th Street to NE 131st Street Lane: Construction project: Crews will perform pavement markings operations along the two-lanes section from NE 130th Street to NE 131st Street. These operations will be performed during the daytime. • Nighttime lane closures will take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. • 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/U.S. 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 four 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 two 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 Friday.

• 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.

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.

• 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 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 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 April 2026, with crews and equipment active throughout the project limits.

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

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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. 29 from Caloosahatchee River Bridge to north of the Glades County line: Maintenance project: Crews is conducting asphalt paving operations along S.R. 29 from the Caloosahatchee River Bridge to north of the Glades County line as part of scheduled roadway maintenance.

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Intermittent lane closures will occur as paving operations progress through the corridor.

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Motorists should expect possible delays and changing traffic patterns.

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Drivers are urged to use caution, follow posted signage, and watch for workers and equipment in the work zone.

Maintenance work is expected to be completed by February 20, 2026, weather and schedule permitting.

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 daily lane closures may occur throughout the project area as crews complete final construction activities.

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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

U.S. 17 over Peace River and Thompson Branch near Wauchula: Bridge maintenance: On March 26, motorists can expect single-lane closures on bridge nos. 060052, 060053 and 060057 located along U.S. 17. Single lane closures will start at approximately 9 a.m. and should be done by 4 p.m. Although single-lane closures will be conducted on each bridge, no more than one lane closure will be conducted at a time.

S.R. 64 from Pear Street to S Barlow Road: Construction project: The S.R. 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 Monday-Friday throughout the project limits.

• 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 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 March 2026, weather permitting.

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 2: Fort Thompson Avenue is closed between North Missouri Street and North Lee Street and will remain closed throughout this week. Pedestrian access has been shifted to Washington Avenue.

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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.

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 S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) corridor from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road. Crews are placing friction course asphalt, installing pavement markings, and completing sign installation, directional boring for conduit, and pull box installation.

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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 spring of 2026.

S.R. 80 West of Murray Road (Bridge No. 070064): Repair construction: Crews will perform warranty repair work on Friday, March 20, 2026, in LaBelle, Hendry County.

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A single westbound lane closure will be in place on S.R. 80 (Lane 2) just west of Murray Road from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m.

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Motorists should expect minor delays, use caution in the area, and watch for workers and equipment in the work zone.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

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 on S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) northbound and southbound for shoulder widening sitewide.

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Use caution at the S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) & Dal Hall Boulevard/Tower Street Intersection for construction traffic entering / leaving the median work zone.

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The S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) and Dal Hall Boulevard/Tower Street intersection will have a median closure from March 13 – 23. Please follow detour routes for eastbound or westbound movements.

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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) at Bramblewood Road: Utility permit project: Crews are performing utility work at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Bramblewood Road, with work continuing along the northbound shoulder. Work began February 12 and is expected to continue throughout February.

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

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. 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 is mid-2026.

Downtown Sebring (South Commerce Avenue and surrounding streets): Special event permit: Gavaghan’s Irish Pub will host a St. Patrick’s Day event on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown area.

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Beginning at 10 a.m., South Commerce Avenue will be closed from Circle Park Drive to South Mango Street, and Wall Street will be closed from South Ridgewood Drive (S.R. 17) to East Center Avenue.

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A northbound and southbound detour will be in place using South Pine Street, East Center Avenue, and Circle Park Drive to route traffic around the event area.

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All roads are expected to reopen by 11 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Motorists should use alternate routes, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra travel time when traveling through downtown Sebring.

Downtown Sebring (S.R. 17 and surrounding streets): Special event permit: The City of Sebring will host the IMSA Twelve-Hour Fan Fest on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to approximately 7:30 p.m. Road closures and detours will be in effect in the downtown area.

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Beginning at 2 p.m., portions of North and South Ridgewood Drive (S.R. 17), Circle Park Drive, North and South Commerce Avenue, and East and West Center Avenue will be closed for parade staging and event activities.

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A northbound and southbound detour will be in place using Franklin Street, Park Street, North Pine Street, Lakeview Drive, Kenilworth Boulevard, and the Sebring Parkway.

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Some roads will reopen after the parade; remaining closures will continue until event activities conclude. All roads are expected to reopen by approximately 10 p.m.

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Motorists should allow extra travel time, follow posted detour signs, use alternate routes, and watch for pedestrians.

U.S. 27 south of Hammock Road: Permit construction project: Permit work will take place at the intersection of U.S. 27 and S.R. 70 from March 10 through March 11.

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Turn lane closures will be in effect on both U.S. 27 and S.R. 70 during construction activities.

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