FDOT RoadWatch Report for May 31 - June 6, 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.

• Testing will begin in early February 2026.

• 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 testing is in May 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 (U.S. 441) at the Southwest Corner of NW 34th Street: Maintenance 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.

• Lane closures are scheduled to begin Monday, May 18, through Thursday, May 21, 2026.

• 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.

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 use caution while traveling through the work zone.

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 daytime single-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 summer 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.

• Nighttime construction activities are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

• 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.

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.

• Testing will begin in early February 2026.

• 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 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.

• Work is ongoing along the corridor as crews continue installation of roadway signs, ground-in rumble strips, pavement markings, conduits, pull boxes, and sensors for a traffic monitoring site.

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

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

Estimated completion is the spring of 2026.

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.

• Daily lane closures continue S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) northbound and southbound for paving and shoulder widening sitewide.

• 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.

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

• Tower Street at U.S. 27 is currently closed, and the detour remains in effect for intersection and tie-in work. Eastbound and westbound Tower Street traffic is detoured via C.R. 621 and East Interlake Boulevard. Motorists should use caution and follow posted detour signage in the area.

• The temporary driveway closure on northbound U.S. 27 near Dunkin' has been reopened, and normal access has resumed.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Work is expected to continue over the next two weeks.

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

• 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.

• 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 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.

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

Estimated completion is mid-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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Paving operations on eastbound and westbound S.R. 70 are scheduled throughout the project corridor June 1-3. Motorists should use caution and watch for trucks entering and exiting the highway during paving activities.

• 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.

• Utility work is expected to continue through July 2026. Utility crews and equipment will be active throughout the corridor.

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

• 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.

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

S.R. 35 (U.S. 17) from the Charlotte County Line to DeSoto Avenue and from Nova Avenue to Hibiscus Road: Maintenance project: Crews will conduct falling weight deflection testing along the corridor.

• Work will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a mobile operation with no lane closures.

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