The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, July 19, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

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.

S.R. 29 (Bridge Street) LaBelle Drawbridge over the Caloosahatchee River: Bridge repair project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will perform repairs to the LaBelle Drawbridge, requiring full weekend bridge closures and vehicle restrictions in Hendry County.

• The bridge will be fully closed to all traffic beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, 2026, and again beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, 2026. Passenger vehicles will be permitted to cross only between the scheduled weekend closures.
• Commercial vehicles weighing more than 17 tons will not be permitted to cross the bridge during the closures or after the bridge reopens. Trucks must use the designated regional truck detour until restrictions are lifted.
• Passenger vehicles will be directed to a local detour via Fort Denaud Road, Fort Denaud Bridge Road, and C.R. 78.
• Commercial trucks must use the regional detour via S.R. 78, U.S. 27, and S.R. 80.
• Law enforcement officers will be stationed at both bridge approaches to assist with traffic control and enforce vehicle restrictions. Motorists should expect delays, follow posted detour signage, and use alternate routes whenever possible.

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 S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) corridor from Stitt Ranch to West of Flaghole Road. Grading retention ponds, project site clean-up, mowing, and sodding north and south side of S.R. 25 is projected for next week.
• 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 summer of 2026.

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.