The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, July 26, 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.

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 plan for a full weekend closure, weight restrictions, and local detours, Friday, July 24 – Monday, July 27.

Full Weekend Bridge Closure

The bridge will be completely closed to all traffic during the following times:

• Friday, July 24 at 9:00 m. – Early Monday, July 27 before rush hour

Detour Routes

Law enforcement will be on-site to direct traffic and enforce restrictions. Please follow posted signs:

Local passenger car traffic may utilize Fort Denaud Road as a localized bypass.

Trucks are strictly prohibited from this route.

• Northbound (From South of LaBelle to North of LaBelle):
  • From R. 29, head west on S.R. 80 to Fort Denaud Road
  • Follow Fort Denaud Road to Fort Denaud Bridge Road
  • Head north across the river on Fort Denaud Bridge Road to R. 78
  • Head east on C.R. 78 to return to R. 29
• Southbound (From North of LaBelle to South of LaBelle):
  • From R. 29, head west on C.R. 78 to Fort Denaud Bridge Road
  • Head south across the river on Fort Denaud Bridge Road to Fort Denaud Road
  • Head east on Fort Denaud Road, which becomes Cowboy Way (S.R. 80A), to S.R. 80
  • Head east on R. 80 to return to S.R. 29

Regional Detour (All Commercial Trucks & Heavy Vehicles)

Due to 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 (From South of LaBelle to Palmdale):
  • From R. 29, head east on S.R. 80 to U.S. 27
  • Head north on U.S. 27 to S.R. 78
  • Head west on R. 78 to return to S.R. 29
• Southbound (From Palmdale to South of LaBelle):
  • From R. 29, head east on S.R. 78 to U.S. 27
  • Head south on S. 27 to S.R. 80
  • Head west on R. 80 to return to S.R. 29

Important Restrictions & Weekday Delays

• 17-Ton Weight Limit for Trucks: Vehicles weighing over 17 tons will not be allowed on the bridge during or after the repair work until restrictions are officially lifted. Heavy trucks must use the regional truck detour.
• Weekday Delays (Monday – Friday): Daytime flagging operations will take place for lift repairs and load testing. Expect temporary traffic stops and delays.

Driver Tip: Please allow extra travel time, watch for law enforcement, and work crews, or use alternate routes when possible. Utilize regional navigation tools like FL511.com, mobile mapping applications, or GPS devices to monitor real-time traffic conditions.

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
• 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

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.