FDOT RoadWatch Report for March 29 - April 4, 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 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. 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.

• Daytime shoulder closures will occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday 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

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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Motorists should use caution, follow posted signage, and watch for workers and equipment in the area.

Estimated completion is early 2026.

HARDEE COUNTY

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 daily and nightly lane closures will occur throughout the project limits as work continues.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

U.S. 17 near the City of Wauchula: Maintenance project: Crews will perform bridge inspection activities along U.S. 17 at multiple locations near Wauchula in Hardee County.

• Single-lane closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the U.S. 17 bridges over Peace River and Thompson Branch.

• Intermittent delays are expected as traffic will be maintained using temporary lane closures.

• Motorists should use caution, follow posted signage, and watch for workers and equipment in the work zone.

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 westbound west of Murray Road (Bridge No. 070064): Warranty repair project: Crews will perform warranty repair work on Friday, March 27, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. in LaBelle, Hendry County.

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A single westbound lane closure will be in place on S.R. 80 at the bridge location during the repair work.

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Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures in both 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.

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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The median at the S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) and Dal Hall Boulevard/Tower Street intersection has reopened, and normal access has resumed.

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A new northbound lane shift and traffic pattern at the S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) and Dal Hall Boulevard/Tower Street intersection is scheduled during the week of March 29, 2026, under nighttime lane closures. Drivers should use extra caution in this area.

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Beginning April 1, 2026, a temporary driveway closure will occur on northbound U.S. 27 near Dunkin’. Motorists should follow posted signage and use alternate access points where available.

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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) 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 (City Pier to Circle Park): Special event permit project: A Stations of the Cross reenactment procession will take place Friday evening. The event will begin at the City Pier and proceed along Lakeview Drive, West Center Avenue, and into Circle Park

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West Center Avenue from Franklin Street to Circle Park Drive will be closed beginning at 4:30 p.m.

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Temporary traffic stops and brief rolling closures will occur along the procession route as participants cross intersections, including Lakeview Drive and Circle Park Drive.

Motorists should expect short delays, use alternate routes when possible, follow directions from law enforcement, and use caution in the area.

Washington Avenue and Walker Avenue (near MLK Jr. Boulevard), Sebring: Special event permit project: The Bountiful Blessings Church of God will host an Easter event on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in the event area.

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Beginning at 11 a.m., Washington Avenue and Walker Avenue will be closed between MLK Jr. Boulevard and Harris Street to accommodate the event.

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All roads are expected to reopen by 6 p.m. Motorists should use caution, allow extra travel time, and watch for pedestrians in the area.