The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, August 2, 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, Passenger vehicles will be permitted to cross only   between   the   scheduled   weekend   closures.
• Daytime flagging operations are scheduled Monday and Tuesday to allow crews to perform lift repairs. Additional daytime flagging operations are scheduled Tuesday through Friday for load testing. Motorists should expect intermittent traffic stops and possible delays while this work is underway.
• Commercial vehicles weighing more than 17 tons will not be permitted to cross the bridge during the closures or after the bridge 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 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

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.

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.