FDOT RoadWatch Report for October 12 - October 18, 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

SR 15/US 441 from NW 36th St to NE 120th St: Construction project: Crews are performing milling and resurfacing operations along SR 15/US 441 from the Martin County Line to SE 30th Terrace. Work will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours

• Northbound and southbound lane closures will occur during daytime and nighttime, with traffic reduced to one lane as needed. Both lanes will not be closed simultaneously. • 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. The estimated remaining duration of activities is 4 weeks

SR 15/US 441 from Martin County Line to SE 30th Terrace: Construction project: will begin resurfacing work on SR 15 (US 98) from SE 30th Terrace to the Martin County line. The project includes pavement resurfacing, grinding, new pavement markings, and shoulder treatment. • Daytime operations: Milling and resurfacing will be conducted between NW 36th Street and NE 120th Street. Crews will also perform curb ramp replacements and install sidewalk and curb and gutter at various locations from SW 23rd Street to SW 3rd Street. These activities will take place during the daytime with no lane closures.

• Northbound and southbound single-lane closures will occur during daytime hours, with traffic reduced to one lane as needed. Northbound and southbound lanes will not be closed simultaneously.

• Nighttime operations from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.: Lane closures will occur from NW 3rd Street to NW 36th Street for signal work, milling, and resurfacing activities.

• Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers in the area • Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage and flagging operations. The estimated remaining duration of activities is 4 weeks.

Estimated project completion is early 2026.

Overall project completion is expected in summer 2026.

GLADES COUNTY

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One, in partnership with South Central Florida Express (SCFE): is continuing a rail safety initiative in Glades County during the fall harvest season. With the start of U.S. Sugar’s harvest in October, motorists should expect a significant increase in train traffic. SCFE operates a 170-mile freight network across five counties that connects South Florida communities and supports the state’s economy.

FDOT reminds drivers to:

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Stay alert when approaching railroad crossings.

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Watch for advance warning signs.

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Obey all crossing signals and gates and never attempt to drive around lowered gates

Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution at all railroad crossings to help prevent future incidents.

US 27 over Fisheating Creek Bridge, Palmdale, Glades County: Construction project: NorthStar Contracting Group, Inc. has tentatively scheduled single-lane closures on Bridge No. 050072. Single-lane closures will begin at 9 a.m. and end by 4 p.m. on October 9, 2025, weather permitting.

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Lane closures will affect southbound traffic only, with only one lane closed at a time.

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

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.

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SR 78 Industrial Drive is closed between Glades Business Park and SR 78 beginning on October 7, 2025. SR 78 traffic is to follow posted detour signs and temporary pavement running along the south side of SR 78. Local traffic needing to access Glades Business Park are to follow posted detour signs and access Industrial Dr from US 27. Northbound US 27 traffic will follow the new traffic pattern along the newly constructed northbound roadway.

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US 27 lane impacts: Motorists should be aware that intermittent lane closures on US 27 may occur during the traffic switch. Estimated completion is fall 2025.

SR 78 over Fisheating Creek Bridge and Herbert Hoover Bridge: Construction project: Crews began bridge repair and rehabilitation work on SR 78 at the Fisheating Creek Bridge and Herbert Hoover Bridge.

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Intermittent single-lane closures on SR 78 northbound and southbound will occur throughout the project limits for the crews to perform bridge repair.

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Shoulder closure on the right shoulder for northbound traffic on SR 78 just south of Lakeport. • Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone and watch for workers, equipment, and signage.

Estimated completion is late 2025

HARDEE COUNTY

CR 664 Little Payne Creek Bridge replacement: Construction project update Bridge replacement work on CR 664 between East of Pool Road and North Palm Drive has been completed. The project included the removal of the former Bridge No. 060034 and the construction of the new Bridge No. 064137 over Little Payne Creek.

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All detours and road closures have been removed, and CR 664 is now open to traffic.

The CR 664 bridge replacement project is complete, and the new Bridge No. 064137 is open to traffic.

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.

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The detour will remain in place throughout the duration of the project. Westbound SR 66 was closed from Merle Langford Road to US 17, with traffic detoured via Steve Roberts Special and SR 64. Eastbound SR 66 remained open.

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Phase II reconstruction work began on June 24, 2025. Westbound SR 66 remains closed, with the same detour route in effect. This phase supports additional resurfacing and safety improvements. Portable message signs and barricades are in place. Temporary pedestrian routes are provided where sidewalks are closed.

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Motorists should anticipate longer delays in queues, follow posted signs, follow the speed limit, and consider alternative routes.

Estimated project completion is early 2026

SR 64 from Pear Street to S Barlow Road: Construction project: The State Road 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 shoulder and single-lane closures on SR 64 eastbound and westbound will occur throughout the project limits for driveway turnout construction.

• Crews installed temporary signal devices and Driveway Assistance Devices (DADs) on SR 64 to facilitate lane closures during the complete reconstruction of a superelevated curve near Griffin Road. During this operation, the roadway will be reduced to one-way traffic, with movements controlled by the temporary signal devices so that only one lane proceeds at a time. This operation is expected to continue for approximately three months, weather permitting. Motorists should use caution, watch for workers and equipment, and follow posted signage.

• Please be advised that the posted speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH throughout the project limits.

• Motorists should use caution in the area, watch for workers, equipment, and signage, and expect changing traffic patterns.

• Motorists should anticipate longer delays in queues, follow posted signs, and consider alternative routes. Estimated project completion is early 2026

HENDRY COUNTY

SR 25 (US 27) from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road: Construction project: Crews will begin milling and resurfacing work on SR 25 (US 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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Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures in both eastbound and westbound directions, as well as shoulder lane closures along the median, for the installation of erosion control devices, drainage improvements, removal and replacement of guardrail, placement of miscellaneous asphalt pavement, and milling and resurfacing of the mainline.

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Median crossover widening activities are underway along SR 25 (US 27) from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road. Median crossover widening activities are underway along SR 25 (US 27) from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road.

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

Estimated completion is Spring of 2026.

SR 25 (US 27) one mile east of Stitt Ranch: Permit project: Crews are constructing a turn lane along SR 25 (US 27) approximately one mile east of Stitt Ranch Road.

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Crews will intermittently close the inside (left) eastbound lane between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Crews will perform final striping after 30 days.

Estimated completion is October 2025

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Hendry County): Construction Project: The Florida Department of Transportation is installing Intelligent Transportation Systems

(ITS) at the SR 29 (Bridge Street) Caloosahatchee River Bridge (Labelle) in Hendry County. Construction began Sunday, June 15, 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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Bridge work is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks to complete construction.

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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 construction is in October 2025.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

US 27 (SR25) at CR 17A: Roadway Construction Project: Crews will be modifying median and NB left turn lane in addition to adding right turn lane to CR 17A.

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Watch for shoulder closures and workers near the roadway. Lane closures will also be in effect.

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Motorists should use caution in the area and be alert for equipment and signage.

Expected completion is October 2025.

US 98 (State Road 700) from East of Floral Drive to East of County Road 621: Construction project: Crews have begun milling, resurfacing, and widening the roadway. The project also includes drainage enhancements, guardrail upgrades, and updated signage.

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Shoulder closures and lane closures will be in place on both northbound and southbound US 98 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 construction.

Estimated completion is expected in late 2025.

SR 17 from Roberta Avenue to Pasadena Avenue in Sebring: Utility permit project: Duke Energy crews will be performing utility improvements along SR 17, including pole replacements, transformer upgrades, and overhead line reconductoring as part of a storm hardening initiative. Tree trimming will also take place to ensure proper clearance from electrical infrastructure.

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Work will occur along SR 17 between Roberta Avenue and Pasadena Avenue in Sebring.

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Activities include utility pole replacement, line upgrades, transformer installation, and vegetation management.

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No lane closures are currently anticipated; however, motorists may encounter shoulder work and intermittent traffic impacts. Flaggers may be present to assist with safe traffic flow.

Motorists should use caution in the area and be alert for crews and equipment near the roadway.

SR 25 (US 27) from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road and SR 25 (US 27) from North of Tower Street to South of Tower Street: Construction project: Crews are reconstructing rigid pavement on SR 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.

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Caution: New Traffic Pattern. Traffic has been shifted into Phase III to reopen the southbound lanes. Motorists should expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on both northbound and southbound lanes throughout the project limits.

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Nighttime lane closure on US 27 and Interlake Boulevard / CR 621 intersection to construct a new signalized intersection.

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Southbound outside lane closures are in place between E Royal Palm Street and Shoreline Drive.

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Median Access will be permanently closed at S Main Ave and McCoy Drive the week of October 20th.

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Periodic Nighttime Lane Closure on US 27 northbound between Shoreline Drive and north of Davis & Gaines Road.

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Motorists should anticipate an inside lane closure northbound and southbound between Shoreline Drive and Interlake Boulevard for median widening.

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Shoulder closures are ongoing in both directions between Shoreline Drive and south of Interlake Boulevard, and from Lake Clay Drive South to Tomoka Boulevard North, for the lighting scope of work.

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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.

SR 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.

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Motorists should expect daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound outside lanes of US 27, as well as construction activity at the intersection of SR 70.

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Motorists should use caution, follow posted signs, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

Estimated completion is expected in early 2026.

SR 25 (US 27) at Thunderbird Road: Utility permit project: A utility permit project will take place from Monday, October 13, 2025, through Thursday, October 30, 2025. Crews will be performing utility work at the intersection of SR 25 (US 27) and Thunderbird Road.

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Nighttime lane closures will occur on US 27 northbound and southbound at Thunderbird Road. Periodic pacing operations will be conducted, resulting in short-term intersection closures

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

Beacon Avenue near SR 17: Permit construction project A driveway connection and roadway improvement project is underway on Beacon Avenue near SR 17 in Sebring. The project includes roadway widening, resurfacing, and drainage improvements along Beacon Avenue.

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Periodic lane closures and temporary traffic pattern changes may occur during construction. Access to local properties will be maintained at all times.

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Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, obey posted signs, and exercise caution when traveling through the work zone.

South Commerce Avenue, Sebring: Special event permit project: A special event will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect in the event area beginning at 8:00 a.m. and reopening by 8:00 p.m. for the Hispanic Heritage Festival.

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Road closure on South Commerce Avenue from Circle Park Drive to South Mango Street. Parking restrictions will be in effect along the closed roadway.

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All closures will be in effect beginning at 8:00 a.m. and reopen by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

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Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, obey posted signs, and exercise caution when traveling through the work zone.

Lakeview Drive (SR 17) near Ridgewood Drive in Sebring: Utility permit project: Crews began utility work along Lakeview Drive on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the north end where Lakeview and Ridgewood Drive merge.

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Lane closures will be in place throughout the work zone. During crane operations, both travel lanes on Lakeview Drive will be closed, and traffic will be shifted using the center turn lane.

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Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers, signs, and equipment.

Estimated completion is December 2025

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.

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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 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.

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

Estimated completion end of 2025.

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. 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 SR 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 SR 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. Traffic continues in the right lane until Roger Avenue, where it shifts back to the north lane. No lane restrictions are in place past Baker Street.

• Westbound SR 70 traffic remains in the right lane from 10th Ave. to Manatee Ave. Between Manatee and Wilson Ave, Westbound traffic is shifted onto the newly constructed left lane. No lane restrictions are in place past the Peace River.

• New Traffic Pattern: WB SR 70 traffic has switched onto the newly constructed side of the roadway between Manatee and Wilson Ave. Please use additional caution when driving through the area and while navigating the new traffic pattern. Estimated completion is early to mid-2027

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.

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Utility work is expected to continue through December 2025. 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 SR 70 as crews replace poles and install 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.