LABELLE – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will temporarily close the S.R. 29 (Bridge Street) LaBelle Drawbridge over the Caloosahatchee River for essential repairs.

Motorists should prepare for a full weekend closure, temporary weight restrictions, and local/regional detours from Friday, July 24, through Monday, July 27. Law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic control and restriction enforcement.

Full Weekend Bridge Closure Schedule

• Closure Period: Friday, July 24 at 9:00 a.m. – Early Monday, July 27 (reopening prior to morning rush hour).
• Impact: The bridge will be completely closed to all vehicular traffic during this window.

Detour Routes

1. Local Passenger Car Detour (Bypass)

⚠️ TRUCK RESTRICTION: Commercial trucks and heavy vehicles are strictly prohibited from utilizing this route.

• Northbound (South of LaBelle to North of LaBelle):
• From S.R. 29, travel west on S.R. 80 to Fort Denaud Road.
• Follow Fort Denaud Road to Fort Denaud Bridge Road.
• Cross the river heading north on Fort Denaud Bridge Road to C.R. 78.
• Travel east on C.R. 78 to reconnect with S.R. 29.
• Southbound (North of LaBelle to South of LaBelle):
• From S.R. 29, travel west on C.R. 78 to Fort Denaud Bridge Road.
• Cross the river heading south on Fort Denaud Bridge Road to Fort Denaud Road.
• Head east on Fort Denaud Road (becomes Cowboy Way / S.R. 80A) to S.R. 80.
• Travel east on S.R. 80 to reconnect with S.R. 29.

2. Regional Detour (All Commercial Trucks & Heavy Vehicles)

Due to strict weight limits and turning constraints on local roads, all commercial trucks and heavy vehicles must utilize the 53-mile regional detour via state roadways:

• Northbound (South of LaBelle to Palmdale):
• From S.R. 29, travel east on S.R. 80 to U.S. 27.
• Head north on U.S. 27 to S.R. 78.
• Travel west on S.R. 78 to reconnect with S.R. 29.
• Southbound (Palmdale to South of LaBelle):
• From S.R. 29, travel east on S.R. 78 to U.S. 27.
• Head south on U.S. 27 to S.R. 80.
• Travel west on S.R. 80 to reconnect with S.R. 29.

Restrictions & Weekday Travel Impacts

• 17-Ton Weight Restriction: Vehicles weighing over 17 tons are prohibited from using the bridge during and after repair work until restrictions are officially lifted. Heavy trucks must follow the regional detour.
• Weekday Delays (Monday – Friday): Expect daytime flagging operations, temporary lane stops, and delays while crews perform lift repairs and load testing.

Driver Safety Tip

Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and exercise caution near work zones and law enforcement personnel. Motorists are encouraged to check real-time traffic conditions before traveling by visiting FL511.com or using mobile navigation applications.