FDOT RoadWatch Report for March 30 -April 5, 2025
- msoderstrom9
- Apr 1
- 11 min read
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.
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, add new drainage facilities, add new
and relocate sanitary and watermain utilities, install new traffic signals, reconstruct sidewalks,
and add street lighting in various locations. During construction there will be lane closure on SR
70. Temporary pedestrian pathways will be installed for pedestrians during construction while
sidewalks are under construction and detours will be in place during construction,
while crews work on side roads; please follow signage and use caution in these areas.
• Motorists should expect lane closures on westbound and eastbound SR 70 throughout the
project.
• Motorists should expect intermittent closures of side streets along east and westbound SR 70 to
facilitate utility and drainage installations throughout the project. Please follow detour signs
and allow extra travel time.
• New Traffic Pattern: Eastbound SR 70 traffic has been moved to the south side of the
roadway.
• New Traffic Pattern: Westbound SR 70 traffic has been moved to the north side of the roadway,
except between northbound US 17 and Manatee Ave.
• Please use caution and remain alert for traffic signs, detours, equipment, and workers in the
construction zone.
Estimated completion is summer 2026.
SR 70 from Manatee County Line to CR 661: Construction project: Crews will resurface SR 70 from the
Manatee County line to CR 661, widen turn lanes and road shoulders, regrade ditches and improve
drainage, and perform full depth roadway reconstruction at various locations. During construction
the speed limit has been reduced to 50 mph and there will be periodic lane closures on SR 70 from
the Manatee County line to CR 661.
• Motorists should expect intermittent shoulder closures along SR 70 throughout the
project.
• Motorists should expect lane closures on SR 70 from Manatee County line to County Road 661
throughout the project.
• Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the construction zone.
Estimated completion is mid-2025.
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 31 from SR 70 to Charlotte County Line: Maintenance project: Crews will be removing and
replacing reflective pavement markings on SR 31. Motorists should expect delays due to rolling
operations throughout the project.
• Motorists should use caution and watch for workers and equipment in the roadway.
Estimated completion is expected for late March, but the schedule is subject to change based on
weather and other factors.
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.
US 27 between St Joseph Way Road and Little H Street will have two (2) westbound lanes closed and
detoured to the eastbound lane, and one (1) eastbound inside lane closed to accommodate westbound
traffic, as needed, continuing around the clock until March 31, 2025, for road reconstruction.
Estimated completion is mid-2025.
SR 78 from North of Herbert Hoover Dike to County Road 721: Construction project: Crews will be
removing and replacing the existing asphalt pavement along the SR 78 corridor between the north
side of the Herbert Hoover Dike and County Road 721.
• One lane will remain open in the work zone. Flaggers will be present to assist and direct
traffic in both directions using a single open lane.
• Lane closures will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30, and continue around the clock through the
evening of Wednesday, April 2. Dates are subject to change based on weather conditions or
unforeseen circumstances.
• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers, signage, flagging operations and
equipment throughout the project.
Completion is expected in April 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.
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 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 West of Sweetwater Road to Highlands County Line: Construction Project: Crews will begin
work on SR 66 from West of Sweetwater Road to Highlands County Line. Improvements include
resurfacing, pavement markings, and safety enhancements.
Expect lane closure and flagging operations on westbound and eastbound State Route 66 between
Sweetwater Road to Highlands County Line from 7 a.m. to 5
p.m. from January to March 2025. Multiple closures may occur on opposite ends of the projects
during the same day.
Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the construction
zone.
Completion is expected in mid-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.
• Beginning Monday, March 10, westbound SR 66 will be closed from Merle Langford Road to US 17,
with traffic detoured via Steve Roberts Special and SR 64. Eastbound SR 66 will remain open.
• Motorists should expect longer delays in the queues and may want to consider using alternate
routes.
Completion is expected in early 2026.
SR 62 from US 17 (SR 35) to Manatee County Line: Maintenance project: Crews will be completing
shoulder repair along SR 62 beginning April 1, 2025, with an estimated completion date of April 9,
2025
• Motorists can expect delays with intermittent lane closures and flagging operations as needed
during this maintenance activity.
• Drivers should proceed with caution, watch for workers and equipment entering and exiting the
roadway, and be prepared for possible delays.
The completion date is subject to change based on weather or other factors.
US 17 (SR 35 NB) from Bay Street to Palmetto Street: Permit project: Lane and sidewalk closures
with law enforcement at night while contractor removes and installs poles on the east side of US
17. Please use caution in this area and watch out for workers and equipment during overnight hours.
HENDRY COUNTY
SR 29 (Bridge Street) Caloosahatchee River Bridge (Labelle) Installation of detection technology:
Construction project: Crews will begin the installation of pedestrian/ bicycle detection systems,
conduits and electrical components, and connections to the bridge tender building.
• Bridge work is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks to complete.
• Motorists are advised there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures.
• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.
Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
US 98 (State Road 700) from East of Floral Drive to East of County Road 621: Construction project:
Crews have started to mill, resurface, and widen the roadway. The project includes enhancing
drainage, installing and upgrading guardrails, and updating signage.
• Starting March 18, 2025, flagging operations will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. for
asphalt paving on SR 700. Motorists should expect delays, use caution, and watch for workers and
equipment in the construction zone.
Estimated completion is expected in late 2025.
SR 17 from Lakeview Drive to Sebring Drive: Utility Maintenance Project: Crews will be installing
new utility infrastructure, including new pedestals and pull boxes, along SR 17.
• Work began in March 2025 and is expected to continue into April 2025. Motorists should expect
intermittent daytime lane closures with flagging operations in place as crews complete the
installations.
• Motorists should use caution, watch for workers in the work zones, and be prepared for possible
delays.
SR 17 at Sebring Circle: Special permit: Crews will implement road closures for the Sippin’ on the
Circle event on Saturday, March 29, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Sebring. The event will take
place in the Circle Park area and include surrounding road closures.
• Detour signs will be in place. Motorist, please use caution in the area and watch for
pedestrians and event staff.
SR 17 at Sebring Circle: Special permit: Crews will implement road closures for the Sebring Soda
Festival in Downtown Sebring. Road closures will begin on Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. and continue
through Sunday, April 6, at 7 p.m. Circle Park Drive, North Ridgewood Drive, South Commerce Avenue,
East Center Avenue, and South Ridgewood Drive will be closed within the downtown area. Additional
closures on Saturday, April 5, at 9 a.m. through Sunday, April 6, include North Commerce Avenue and
West Center Avenue.
• Detour signs will be in place. Please use caution in the area and watch for pedestrians and
event staff.
State Road 25 (US 27) from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road and State Road 25 (US 27) from
North of Tower Street to South of Tower Street: Construction project: Crews are reconstructing
rigid pavement on State Road 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 for Phase Two. Motorists
should expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on both northbound and southbound lanes
throughout the project limits.
• Intermittent lane closures will occur throughout the project, including:
• Northbound outside lane closures from Shoreline Drive to Anderson Street for right-turn lane and
shoulder widening.
• Southbound inside lane closures for median curb installation.
• Northbound lane closures from Crestmore Drive to Vision Street for right-turn lane and shoulder
widening
• Temporary nighttime and daytime driveway closures at Wawa and Mobil will continue through May
2025. The Marathon gas station’s south driveway near Crestmore Drive will be closed, but the
northern driveway will remain open.
• A partial driveway closure is also in place at Admiral’s Cove Thrift Store at 110 Anderson
Street.
• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the construction
zone.
Anticipated completion is late 2026.
State Road 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.
• Intermittent outside lane closures on northbound and southbound US 27 north of SR 70 for road
widening from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Intermittent single-lane closures on northbound and southbound US 27 south of SR 70 for milling
and resurfacing, operating 24 hours a day.
• 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.
• Motorists should use caution, follow posted signs, and watch for workers and equipment in the
construction zone.
Estimated completion is expected in early 2026.
State Route 66 from S. Orange Blossom Blvd to US 27 (State Road 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 begins Monday, March 24, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Traffic will alternate with one lane at a time, both lanes open outside working hours. Motorists
should use caution and watch for workers in the working zone.
SR 70 East from CR 721 (Brighton) to CR 29: Maintenance project: Crews will be repairing potholes
along SR 70 East.
• Crews will begin work on Wednesday, March 27, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3
p.m. Motorists should expect to see crews and equipment in the area. Drivers are advised to follow
posted signs, anticipate possible delays, and allow for additional travel time.
• Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures with flagging operations while crews complete
pothole repairs. Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones.
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.
• 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.
• This project is part of a larger pole replacement effort extending from DeSoto County through
Highlands County and into Okeechobee County.
• Drivers are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate delays, and allow extra travel time or
consider alternate routes during this work.
• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the work
zone.
Estimated completion end of 2025
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): Permit project:
Crews are constructing a temporary road connection to rebuild Hillard Road, including a new
driveway connection and right-turn lane for the South Florida Water Management facility. Crews will
continue installing the water main and force main piping along U.S. 441 North within the easements.
This includes grade work, which will not impact traffic.
• Expect daytime and nighttime lane closures with traffic reduced to one lane.
• Lane shift will occur on March 31, 2025
Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones.
SR 70 From East of US 441 to Northeast 17th Avenue: Construction project: Crews will be working on
milling and resurfacing, base work, drainage improvements, curb and gutter, guardrails, traffic
signals, signage, pavement markings, lighting, and other incidental construction.
• Crews began paving operations on Sunday, January 12, continuing through March 2025. Paving crews
and equipment will be on-site. Motorists are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate possible
delays, and allow for additional travel time or consider alternate routes during this work.
Motorists should expect intermittent nighttime eastbound and westbound lane closures while crews
complete paving operations.
• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime and nighttime lane closures to take place both
eastbound and westbound on SR 70 between NE 17th Avenue and NE 4th Avenue for curb/sidewalk removal
and pour back. Lane closures will take place in the outside travel lanes.
Anticipated completion is early 2025.