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.
· Crews will begin utility work on Monday, March 24, 2025, continuing for several weeks. Utility 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 lane closures with one-lane flagging operations 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.
SR 31 from SR 70 to Charlotte County Line: Maintenance project: Crews will be removing and replacing reflective pavement markings on SR 31 beginning March 6, 2025. 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 of 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. Lane closures may be conducted during this operation. Please use caution in the area. 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 remove and replace broken concrete mitered ends on the westbound side of SR 62 beginning March 7, 2025. Work is expected to be completed by April 7, 2025
Maintenance Project: Crews will remove and replace reflective pavement markings (RPMs) beginning March 6, 2025, with an estimated completion date of March 21, 2025. This will be a rolling operation, and motorists may experience delays.
Maintenance project: Crews will be performing shoulder repair on SR 62 beginning March 10, 2025, with an estimated completion date of March 21, 2025.
· Motorists should expect intermittent closures and flagging operations as needed and 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 6:30 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 is set to begin on July 27, 2024, and will last for several weeks. During this time, motorists should anticipate intermittent lane closures and flagging operations as crews install new infrastructure. Lane closures will take place during daytime hours, and flaggers will be present on-site to help manage traffic flow.
· Motorists should use caution, watch for workers in the work zones, and be prepared for possible delays.
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.
· Crews will switch traffic to the northbound side of the intersection for Phase Two. Motorists should expect daytime and nighttime lane closures on both northbound and southbound lanes of US 27 within 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 night 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.
· 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 Sparta Road to Payne Street: Permit Project: Crews will be working on overhead wires. The project includes installing new wires and replacing some existing poles. Utility work will take from 6 weeks expect intermittent lane closures with one-lane flagging operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the work zones.
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 the DeSoto County Line to Footman Trail: Utility Maintenance project: Crews will be installing new utility wires and replacing existing poles.
· Crews will begin utility work on Monday, March 24, 2025, continuing for several weeks. Utility 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 lane closures with one-lane flagging operations 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.
· This project is part of a larger pole replacement effort extending from DeSoto County through Highlands County and into Okeechobee County.
Estimated completion end of 2025
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
US 41/US 98 (SR 700) Taylor Creek Bridge - 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.
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.
· Expect daytime and nighttime lane closures with traffic reduced to one lane.
· Crews will continue installing the water main and force main piping along U.S. 441 North within the easements.
· Road widening on the east side of U.S. 441 North near the Ranger Station will take place March 17-18, 2025, including subgrade preparation and placement of the first layer of base rock. Traffic has already been shifted for this work. The final layer of base rock will be placed on the east side of U.S. 441 North as part of the road widening project.
· Base course asphalt placement on the east side of U.S. 441 North will occur from March 24-27, 2025, followed by temporary pavement striping. A major traffic shift is scheduled for March 24-27, 2025, to facilitate work on the west side of U.S. 441 North.
· Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones.
US 98 (SR 700) from NW 80th Avenue to NW 160th Street: Construction Project: Crews will be working on a construction project along US 98 (SR 700) between NW 80th Avenue and approximately half a mile north of NW 160th Street. The project includes milling, paving, sodding, and striping to improve road quality and safety in the area. Daytime lane closures will occur, and traffic may be reduced to one lane at a time. Please use caution in the area and watch for workers in the work zones.
· Crews will be grading, sodding, striping and paving through March 2025. Crews and equipment will be on-site daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please follow posted signs, be aware of possible delays, allow for additional travel time, or consider alternate routes. Flaggers will be present to guide traffic safely through the work zone.
· Motorists should expect intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures while crews complete the paving and associated construction tasks.
Anticipated completion is early 2025.
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 will continue paving operations 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.