07/16/2026
Florida Department of Transportation
RON DESANTIS
GOVERNOR 801 N Broadway Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830 JARED W. PERDUE, P.E.
SECRETARY
For Immediate Release
July 16, 2026 Contact: Janella Newsome
(863) 519-2828 | [email protected].
DISTRICT ONE DISTRICTWIDE ROADWATCH REPORT #29 FOR WEEK JULY 19-25, 2026
District One is twelve counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota.
BARTOW, Fla. – 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 projects.
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 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.
District One is twelve counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota.
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.
• Overnight traffic shifts on eastbound and westbound S.R. 70 are scheduled for July 20 and July 21, 2026. Traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed roadway between Orange Street and Roger Street on eastbound S.R. 70, and between 10th Avenue and Roger Street on westbound S.R. 70. Motorists should use caution and expect delays during these overnight traffic shifts.
• 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 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. 31 from S.R. 70 South to the DeSoto/Charlotte County Line: Maintenance project: Crews will perform various shoulder maintenance activities along the corridor throughout the remainder of July.
• Daytime shoulder work will occur at various locations along S.R. 31 as maintenance operations progress.
• Motorists should expect workers and equipment near the roadway and may encounter intermittent traffic impacts.
• Drivers are urged to pay attention to advance warning signs, reduce speed, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
• Motorists should allow extra travel time and be prepared for changing conditions as work progresses along the corridor.
Work is expected to continue through July 2026.
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