HENDRY COUNTY — The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, Aug. 23, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

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.

• UPDATED WEIGHT RESTRICTION: Commercial vehicles weighing more than 26 tons are prohibited from crossing the LaBelle Drawbridge until further notice.
• Commercial vehicles exceeding the 26-ton weight limit must use the designated regional detour via S.R. 78, U.S. 27, and S.R. 80.
• Motorists should expect delays, follow posted detour signage, use caution in the work zone, and consider alternate routes when 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.

U.S. 27 from Lewis Boulevard to Berner Road in Clewiston: Maintenance project: Crews will perform shoulder repair operations in both directions on U.S. 27 between Lewis Boulevard and Berner Road in Clewiston.

• Daytime lane closures will occur on the inside eastbound and westbound lanes while crews complete shoulder repairs
• Only one direction will be closed at a time during work activities.
• Motorists should use caution, watch for workers and equipment, and expect possible delays while traveling through the work zone.
• Expected completion: September 30, 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.