GLADES COUNTY — The following column is the Road Watch report for Glades County for the week beginning Sunday, Sept. 14, 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) District One, in partnership with South Central Florida Express (SCFE): is continuing a rail safety initiative in Glades County during the fall harvest season. With the start of U.S. Sugar’s harvest in October, motorists should expect a significant increase in train traffic. SCFE operates a 170-mile freight network across five counties that connects South Florida communities and supports the state’s economy. FDOT reminds drivers to:

• Stay alert when approaching railroad crossings.
• Watch for advance warning signs.
• Obey all crossing signals and gates and never attempt to drive around lowered gates
• Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution at all railroad crossings to help prevent future incidents.

• 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.

• SR 78 is closed between US 27 for roadway reconstruction, with the closure in effect through September 2, 2025. Both eastbound and westbound turn lanes from US 27 to SR 78 are also closed during this time. Traffic traveling to and from SR 78 should follow posted signage and use Industrial Drive as a detour route.
• Upcoming Traffic Switch: A traffic switch is scheduled for the night of September 28, 2025. Traffic on SR 78 will use the newly built detour along the south side of the roadway. The detour along Industrial Drive will be closed, and the entrance to Industrial Drive from SR 78 will also be closed. Access to businesses on Industrial Drive will be available only through the entrance from northbound US 27. Both directions of US 27 will be open in their permanent configuration, with two lanes open in each direction.
• Estimated completion is fall 2025.

• SR 78 over Fisheating Creek Bridge and Herbert Hoover Bridge: Construction project: Crews began bridge repair and rehabilitation work on SR 78 at the Fisheating Creek Bridge and Herbert Hoover Bridge.

• Intermittent shoulder and single-lane closures on SR 78 northbound and southbound will occur throughout the project limits for the crews to perform bridge repair.
• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone and watch for workers, equipment, and signage.
• Estimated completion is late 2025.

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.